Episode 143: Samuel Thompson

Racing vs Touring – Cycling Around France and How to Enjoy Racing Ultras

What does it take to ride 4,750 kilometers around France, climb 50,000 metres, pass through 61 control points and set a new world record while doing it? For ultra-cyclist Samuel Thompson, the answer is equal parts preparation, mindset, and almond croissants.

In this episode of Seek Travel Ride, I sat down with Samuel fresh off his record-breaking lap of France. He became the first person to complete the legendary Tourist Routier challenge in under 13 days, finishing in just 12 days, 15 hours, and 5 minutes. But what stands out most from Samuel’s story is how he approaches riding with joy, gratitude, and balance.

A Philosophy of Balance

“When I race, I race. When I tour, I tour.”

For Sam, it’s simple. He’s learned that blending competition and adventure works best when each has its place. Racing is where he pushes himself and treats the ride as a time trial. Touring is where he soaks in the journey on his own terms. Trying to merge the two, he admits, just doesn’t work.

Preparation Over Panic

“Preparation is a better term… the more research you do in advance, the less you have to do on the go.”

Samuels’ lap around France saw him prepare meticulously. That meant months of studying maps, marking resupply points, to the point where he knew which side of town the supermarket was on. This deep preparation allowed him to stay present in the ride itself.

The Power of Gratitude

Even during long, lonely stretches, Sam held onto perspective. Gratitude became his anchor. From stunning alpine passes to quiet coastal roads, Sam reminded himself daily that cycling isn’t about glorifying suffering. Rather it’s about appreciating the privilege of taking on this adventure in the first place.

“Why wish the time away when this was what I was looking forward to doing for so long?”

Changing perspectives on Ultra cycling.

Ultra-cycling can seem like a test of suffering. But Samuel very much believes this doesn’t need to be the case. Success also comes from preparation, mindset, and remembering why you wanted to ride this course in the first place. As Sam puts it:

“The riding would be the easy bit after all that went into it beforehand.”

And maybe that’s the real secret here , not just to setting records, but to enjoying each pedal stroke along the way?

You can follow Samuel’s future adventures via his instagram account – @touriste.routier and check out his coaching services via acier.cc

The Seek Travel Ride podcast