Life Beyond the Fast Lane: Slowing Down in Portugal with a Pro Racing Cyclist

When you think of a professional racing cyclist, you probably imagine someone chasing the thrill of speed, fueled by adrenaline and pushing limits. For Paul Martin, that image is mostly accurate, but even someone who lives life in the fast lane needs to slow down once in a while. This October, Paul swapped his Cervelo S5 for a Siesta Campers campervan and hit the scenic west coast of Portugal.

We caught up with Paul to talk about life on two wheels, his vanlife adventure, and what it’s like to take it easy—at least for a little while.

Slowing Down (sort of): The Road Less Travelled

Q: Tell us a little about yourself—where you’re from, what brought you to Portugal, and why did you decide to rent a Siesta Campers campervan?

A: I’m Paul Martin, 22, from Lyon, France. Most of the year, I’m either training or racing, so October (the end of the racing season) is my only real break. It’s about three weeks to forget about training, unwind, and just enjoy life. I wanted to escape city life, so I rented a campervan from Siesta to explore some quiet landscapes of Portugal and have a calm holiday.

Paul’s definition of “calm,” though, might not match the average person’s. His Instagram shows a life of high-energy pursuits: skiing, skating, motorbiking, and, of course, cycling. When he does find a rare moment of leisure on the bike, he gravitates toward mountain landscapes, which he says offer stunning views and a peaceful escape. His favorite riding spots are Switzerland in the summer and Spain in the winter, thanks to their ideal climates, breathtaking scenery, and well-maintained roads.

From Downhill to Gravel: A Life in Motion

Q: Have you always been this active, and how does cycling fit into the mix?

A: I’ve always been really into sports—especially extreme ones like downhill MTB or skiing. But now that I’m racing professionally, I don’t have much time for anything else! Since I can’t risk injuries, rest is key.

Q: Road, mountain, or gravel cycling—any preference?

A: I race mainly on the road, but next year, I’ll also be doing gravel events and a bit of MTB. I miss off-road riding—it’s amazing. Whenever I can, I mix all three into my training.

Paul’s love for speed began in the mountains, but he found his calling on two wheels thanks to a friend who lent him a road bike around five years ago. Since then, he’s become laser-focused on cycling, rarely riding just for leisure. His pro racing career has taken him to unforgettable challenges, including the grueling Paris-Tours race, which he calls the hardest he’s ever done. Covering 185 kilometers with gravel sections and heavy rain turning the course into a mud race, the ride tested both his physical endurance and mental determination.

The Fast Lane Meets the Slow Road

Q: Do you ever feel the need to slow down?

A: Honestly, not really—I’m pretty impatient! But I think the key is to take pleasure in whatever you’re doing, whether you’re going fast or slow.

For someone who thrives on speed, Paul admits that slowing down isn’t his strong suit. His campervan adventure in Portugal offered a rare glimpse of life at a different pace. Having done several winter training camps in Spain, he’s no stranger to combining beautiful landscapes with cycling. “Spain is incredible—the weather is perfect, the roads are fantastic, and the people are really respectful,” he says. His experience there contrasts with his fast-paced racing schedule, giving him moments to soak in the surroundings and appreciate the sport in a new way.

Vanlife: A Change of Pace

Q: This was your first campervan holiday, right? How’d it go?

A: Yes, it was my first time! I loved that the van allowed us to bring a sense of home wherever we went. We were always surrounded by nature, and there was no rush to return anywhere. We even found some beautiful, secluded cliffs by following random roads.

Paul and his partner spent their days exploring Portugal’s west coast, hiking, running, and occasionally dipping into the ocean. They even tried their hand at surfing—an exciting departure from his usual land pursuits.

Q: Did vanlife change how you view travel, or combining vanlife and cycling in the future?

A: Absolutely. I think it’s perfect for appreciating both the journey and the destination. Being stress-free and surrounded by nature was the best part. As for future trips, as long as the van is big enough to fit the bike, yes - I’d like to try combining the two. It’s a great way to explore new terrain, especially here in Portugal.

Q: Any tips for fellow cyclists looking to explore riding in Portugal?

A: Bring a gravel bike! The west coast is full of incredible gravel roads with ocean views.

Paul’s trip proved that slowing down doesn’t mean stopping. From hikes to hidden trails, he embraced vanlife without losing his connection to the active lifestyle he loves. It’s not every day that a pro cyclist trades the rush of racing for the tranquility of coastal sunsets, and while he might not ride for leisure often, his advice to aspiring cyclists is simple:

“Grab a bike, get out in nature, take it easy, and enjoy the experience. The only way to succeed in cycling is to fall in love with it.”