TNN Talks: Quentin Valognes

22 March 2017

You might have known that Pro rider Quentin Valognes was diagnosed with diabetes at age 6 and that in 2014 he won three stages at Tour de l’Abitibi with the TNN Junior Team. But did you know that Quentin also loves the film “Hitch” and his biggest hero is Rocky Balboa?

Below, the French rider shares a few things you may not know in this edition of TNN Talks.

Favorite food when traveling:

I love coffee! But when I am traveling I prefer tea!

Favorite food from your home country:

Cheese of course! My favorite is Camembert from Normandy, where I am from.

Favorite musician/band:

I really like an artist named Orelsan who is from my hometown of Caen.

Do you use a pen or pump?

I use a pen, but I’ve also tried a pump.

Anyone else in your family with diabetes?

No- it’s just me.

Allez, Superman! French stagiaire @quentinvalognes finds creative ways to train in Caen, France… 🇫🇷🚴🏼

A post shared by teamnovonordisk (@teamnovonordisk) on Oct 4, 2016 at 5:46pm PDT

Favorite movie:

My favorite movie is “Hitch” with Will Smith.

Last book you read:

“La Magie du rangement” by Marie Kondo.

Worst way someone has mispronounced your name:

Once before a criterium in the USA someone announced me as “Kouenetine Waaaaloguenesse”.

Any pre-race rituals?

I try to imagine the race or the finish, if it’s a sprint stage.

Favorite race:

Le Tour de France.

Biggest hero in life:

Rocky Balboa, because he never gives up! The character is always positive and doesn’t answer with a lot with of talk but rather with more action!

Favorite hobby off the bike:

I like to write, go to the sauna, chat with friends- be with people who I love!

Night owl or early riser:

Both- haha! No, it depends…

Favorite ice cream flavor:

Coconut, of course.

Favorite spot to get coffee:

Anywhere with my family, my friends or people that I like.

Favorite place you’ve visited:

Central Park in New York City!

Places you’d most like to holiday in:

I’d like to visit Egypt.

Languages spoken:

I speak good French, English and Russian, I can speak/understand German and Spanish and I’m trying to learn Chinese.

Wow! #Repost from @quentinvalognes: Et là c’est quand j’ai trop mal aux jambes pour marcher avec … Ahahah (oui oui avant le vélo j’ai fait de la gymnastique et du breakdance 🙊) @teamnovonordisk

A post shared by teamnovonordisk (@teamnovonordisk) on Jan 21, 2016 at 7:46am PST

Favorite quote:

“Life is not the amount of breaths you take. It’s the moments that take your breath away.”

Top “Bucket List” Item:

To win the top races, get married, have children, have a big home, travel around the world and help people understand that motivation and a positive attitude can change everything.