LIFESTYLE FLYING HIGH WITH SPEED RIDER VALENTIN DELLUC

Hello Valentin! Let’s get straight to the point: what’s Speed Riding? 

It’s a mix between skiing and flying. We use a small glider, about three to four times smaller than a paraglider, which allows you to fly when descending. At speeds of up to 90 mph! It allows you to ski on almost any slope, and take off before a cliff or an obstacle, where a skier would normally have to use a rope to rappel. Whether it’s flying over an avalanche, sliding down a chairlift cable or skiing over cliffs, everything is possible.

What do you need to become a great speed rider?

You have to be a good skier (freeride, freestyle or alpine). That’s probably why Candide Thovex inspires me so much… and you’ve also got to do some other air sports. In my case, I’ve mastered paragliding, skydiving, base jumping and kitesurfing, and I’m also a microlight instructor. Whether it’s my older brother, or people like Antoine Montant – a speed riding pioneer whom I admire deeply – you have to be inspired every day, by everything you see. It’s a creative activity that you need to enjoy.

What’s your dream terrain for speed riding?

The north face of the Aiguille du Midi is my favorite high mountain training area. The ideal landscape is a big steep mountain with canyons, cliffs, seracs and avalanches. The natural environment is our playground, so there’s no need for any specific infrastructure—that’s the great thing about it!

Is there one particularly memorable run you can share with us? 

It’s really difficult to pick just one! But one of my most special runs was the one where I slid down a chairlift cable in Avoriaz in 2014. After that, I won two races at the French speed riding championships, which is what really launched my career. My nighttime flight over the Bossons Glacier is also particularly memorable. We only had one go to get the shot in the bag!

What does your training look like?

The best physical and mental training is to be on the ground; nothing replaces real training! When winter ends, I start speed flying and I use the same high speed wings but on foot, without skis. So 90% of the time, I do three hours of hiking for about two to three minutes of flying—it’s short but very intense. I also train my muscles and do lots of stretching and proprioception training (to become more aware of muscle movements). All sports activities complement each other. As for the mental aspect, I train myself to visualize and anticipate outcomes as much as possible.

How do you prepare yourself before a run? And what does it feel like when it’s finally time to take off?

I have a whole checklist of equipment to check; I also study the weather conditions to be completely prepared. Then my feelings will depend on the intensity of the run. When I set off, I’m very focused, and I usually stay that way for the whole run. It’s usually when I land after the flight that my emotions come out! 99% of the time, I have a huge smile on my face when I land. And then I just want to snap my fingers and do it all over again, right away.

Would you say speed riding and a love of nature go hand in hand?

Yes, for me speed riding is definitely a ‘green’ activity! Once the wing has been made, you can practice freely, without causing any pollution or damage to the environment. All you need is a backpack and a wing and you can set off to explore the mountain. I’m also a beekeeper, and I know how fragile our ecosystem is. I love being in the mountains, it’s where I feel good, and speed riding allows me to do exactly that.

Thanks a lot Valentin!

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