Valentin Diot: a little bike in the Pinaults' head

Valentin DIOT (esb 80) tells us how the Tour De France 2025 brought him into contact with the Pinault family.

"I'd known for a few months that I'd be exhibiting my bikes and activities for the Tour de France in Trévérien, but I had no idea what was going to happen...

On Friday July 11th, I had the immense honor of presenting my ERNEST Cycle bikes to Monsieur François Pinault and his son François-Henri, who had come to visit the Breton businessman's childhood village of Tréverien in my commune.

A unique moment, marked by my meeting with Monsieur François Pinault, who grew up in Tréverien, his son François-Henri, and even an unexpected greeting from Salma Hayek.

Thanks to Vincent Melcion, Mayor of Tréverien, I was able to share an exchange and pitch my work in just a few minutes. The mayor chose my creations, bike models, as gifts for the Pinault family.

I was very proud when they praised the quality of my ERNEST bamboo bikes.... and when Monsieur Pinault told me that his advisors would be in touch with me about them.