To succeed in a race like the Absa Cape Epic, everything has to be perfect: your nutrition, your mindset, and the wax on your chain. No one understands this better than David Valero. After a career defined by Olympic medals and World Cup podiums, Valero is entering 2026 with a fresh perspective and a new set of colours under the Klimatiza Orbea banner. We caught up with the Spanish icon to discuss his move into long-distance racing, his meticulous approach to race prep, and what really keeps his wheels turning when the going gets tough.
Who is David Valero?
Well, David Valero is a family man and a big cycling enthusiast. His passion has led him, over the years, to become one of the best XCO riders in the world.
Where is your home, and what does it mean to you?
I’m from Baza, a town in Granada. For me, it’s my homeland—the place where I grew up and developed as a person. It’s where I live with my family.
When did you first fall in love with bicycles?
Haha, I think I was born with a bike in my life. From a very young age, I was always riding. At first, it was just a toy, then a hobby, and eventually it gave me everything I have today.
What is it about mountain biking that still excites you today?
I think it’s the environment where I live, which is a true paradise for MTB riding. For me, it’s the best sport for staying in contact with nature.
What has kept you motivated to perform at the highest level for so many years?
Wanting to constantly improve and bring out the best in myself year after year. I’m someone who likes to give my maximum in everything I do.
Which milestones or achievements in your career are you most proud of?
The Tokyo Olympic Games. They were a turning point in my career.
What has been the biggest challenge of your career so far?
Fighting to be the best XCO rider in the world.
What are your main goals for 2026?
To learn as much as possible about XCM and try to become one of the best in the discipline. After that, hopefully, the goals will be achieved—haha.
You’ve just joined a new team, Klimatiza Orbea. What made this the right move for you?
Honestly, I was already watching them in 2025, and I really liked how they worked and their ambition to make a big impact in the XCM discipline. It was an easy decision after talking with Raúl.
You’ll be competing in the Absa Cape Epic 2026. How many “Epics” have you completed, and what are the team’s goals for this year’s race?
I’ve participated in three, but finished two. This year, I think the goal is to reach the podium and gradually fight for a strong overall classification. I also know it’s a very, very difficult race—but our motivation is extremely high, haha.
What role do nutrition and hydration play in stage races like the Cape Epic?
Huge. It’s a very important factor, because any day you run out of food or get dehydrated can really cost you for the rest of the race. It’s something I like to manage very carefully so it doesn’t come back to bite us.
How has your mindset changed from your early years in the World Cup to now?
A lot. At the beginning, I was a rider focused on learning and improving, and now it’s about achieving objectives and not making mistakes I made in the past.
What does a “good day” on the bike look like for you, even if you don’t win?
The days when you suffer to the limit but know you gave everything you had, pushing your body to the maximum. As they say: suffer and enjoy—haha.
Favorite food (on or off the bike)?
On the bike, anything that gives me energy. Off the bike, that’s the problem—I like everything, haha.
The strangest thing you’ve ever craved while riding?
I don’t know—I’m very much into bread. A sandwich with whatever, haha.
Do you have any lucky charm or pre-race ritual?
No lucky charm, but a ritual: making sure I have everything and don’t forget anything.
One thing you always take with you when traveling?
These days, we travel with almost the whole house. In recent years, the coffee machine—haha.
If you weren’t a professional rider, what do you think you’d do?
I’d be a bike mechanic, haha.
What’s your favorite Squirt Cycling product and how does it help your performance?
Their wax is super important—the smoothness of the chain and its durability, knowing it will run very smoothly for a long time.
What’s something fans or young riders would be surprised to know about you?
Lately, people have told me they don’t know where I get the energy and motivation to keep training so hard.
What’s your best advice for beginners in MTB?
Enjoy every ride and the company of good people before, during, and after the ride.
Fun Facts
- How you order your coffee: Black
- Favorite recovery snack: A bit of bread with olive oil and honey
- Dream place to ride: Anywhere in the world—it all depends on how much you love riding
- Early bird or night owl? Early bird, but the night has its charm too
Rider Profile
- Name: David
- Nickname: Valero Serrano
- Age: 37
- Place of birth: Baza (Granada)
- Current residence: Baza
- Height: 1.89 m
- Shoe size: 45
