đ Ultra Talk - Valentin Van Overloop: between resilience, strategy and ultra passion
On the eve of the start of the 1000 km Race Across France, destination Mandelieu, Arnaud Manzanini welcomes Valentin Van Overloop in a new episode of the Ultra Talk podcast. A heart-to-heart interview with an experienced cyclist and Race Across Series regular, who is about to take the start for the 7th or 8th time.
How do you come back from injury? đïžââïžđŽââïžđââïžđ§
An experienced cyclist, Valentin looks back on his crash at the 2500km Race Across France 2024, his background in ultracycling races and the difficulties he has encountered over the years. He shares his strategy and time targets for this edition, as well as his experience with Origine, the brand where he works and a partner of Race Across, and introduces us to his custom-built configurable bike, detailing its composition and equipment.
đŽââïž A long-distance veteran
An emblematic participant in the circuit, Valentin looks back on his ultracycling career and the previous editions that have shaped his experience. One of the most memorable moments: his fall on the 2500 km last year, which occurred just a few kilometers from the Basecamp in Anglet. A strong memory, but also a source of motivation to come back stronger and more lucid about risk and fatigue management.
đ A rare syndrome that influences strategy
Over the course of the conversation, Valentin shares a little-known aspect of his practice: a rare visual phenomenon that manifests itself at sunrise. A particular challenge, which he has learned to anticipate and integrate into his race strategy. This element, combined with short nights and sleep management, makes his preparation all the more demanding and meticulous.
âïž Choosing the right equipment: Origine Cycles at the heart of performance
Valentin, who works for Origine Cycles, official partner of the Race Across Series, talks passionately about his custom-built bike. A 100% made-in-France assembly, designed for endurance and reliability, it perfectly reflects the philosophy of ultracycling: efficiency, sobriety and absolute confidence in one's equipment.
đ Discover all the details of his equipment in the Valentin's complete Bike Check on Instagram.
Interview with Valentin during his Bike Check before his 1000 km race at the Race Across France 2025.
đș The mythical passes of the South on the program
For this edition, Valentin shares his time targets and climbing strategy for the most emblematic passes in the south of France:
la Bonnette, la CaĂŻole, les Champs and the Montagne de Lure.
Names that sound like so many challenges, where every metre of ascent tells a story of surpassing oneself.
đŹ A heartfelt and inspiring episode
A blend of technique, emotion and real-life experience, this episode plunges listeners into the unique world of ultracycling.
A discipline where every detail counts, where mental preparation is as essential as equipment, and where every kilometer becomes an inner victory.
đ§ Listen now on all platforms:
Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Deezer, UltraTalk Podcast
đș Watch the video version on YouTube : Watch the episode
đČ Origine, partner of the Race Across Series
Origine is a Race Across World Series partner brand that manufactures custom bikes. So you can choose to build your bike according to your morphology, your riding style, your desires and your budget.
 đČ F ind out all about Origine now: Origine Instagram account
More and more Origine bikes are present at the start of our races thanks to their reliability.
