“I fell into it at five years old. And 28 years later, I’m still in it!”
She remembers perfectly when it all began. “I was in first grade. There was a demonstration in our multipurpose room. I went home and told my mother, ‘I want to do that.’”
Since obtaining her first license in 1998, Valentine has never left artistic cycling. French champion, national team member, international competitor… her journey is impressive. Above all, her sincerity: the joy remains intact, and her eyes still sparkle when she talks about figures, balance, and shared effort.
August 23rd: on the floor and behind the scenes
On August 23rd, she will be doubly committed: competing with her teammates in the quadrille event, and coordinating the event as co-organizer. “This is a UCI competition. It’s not just a small local gala. There are rules, standards, and deadlines to respect.” She bursts out laughing: “Luckily, I have a great team around me…”
Between her work, meetings, Excel spreadsheets, phone calls, demonstrations, and training sessions, the days are packed. But she stays the course: “When I get tired, I think about the girls, the audience, the full hall. And that keeps me going. We want it to be smooth, lively, generous… and make people say ‘Wow!’”
“Puteaux trusted us. We want to live up to that.”
For several months, the city of Puteaux has actively supported the organization. “Honestly, they have been incredible: available, efficient, and curious too. That’s rare — and precious.”
On August 23rd, the Hall des Sports will welcome nearly 80 athletes from more than 15 countries — a show at the crossroads of dance, acrobatics, and technical virtuosity on two wheels.
“I want to do that.”
She often repeats it — it’s her driving force: introduce artistic cycling to the public. And maybe, that night, a teenager or a little girl will step forward, eyes shining, and simply say to her: “I want to do that.”
Propos recueillis par le CSM Puteaux Cyclisme — JF
