“Le Petit Coureur”: Loïc Manceau tells the story of cycling like you’ve never read it before…

Cycling is much more than just a sport: it is a school of life, where effort and resilience are combined with the human values ​​of solidarity and self-improvement. Loïc Manceau, editor-in-chief of Radiopeloton.fr and passionate author, celebrates this vision in his latest book, The Little RunnerPublished in January 2025 by Éditions du Volcan, this initiatory novel goes beyond the boundaries of cycling to offer a profound reflection on the challenges, dreams and relationships that shape our life paths. But how The Little Runner Does he manage to translate the richness of the cycling experience into a universal adventure, accessible to all, whether you are passionate about cycling or simply a lover of great stories? 3bikes.fr, we try to explain it to you…

By Jeff Tatard – Photos: www.sabrina-photographie.com / DR

This is not Loïc Manceau's first literary pedal stroke.. After having humorously explored the tribulations of cyclists in The cyclist's 100 excuses and touched the heart of emotions in Sentimental Chronicle, he returns with a work that combines his passion for cycling and his love of words. To write The Little Runner seemed obvious to me. Few novels explore the world of cycling, even though it is so rich in human values ​​and captivating stories.", explains the author, who competed for almost fifteen years.

A dream of stage victories

The hero of the novel, Luc, is a young man passionate about cycling who dreams of becoming a champion, like his idols.. But as he approaches his thirties, he must face the harsh reality: his physical abilities and results will not be enough to lift him to the top. Refusing to give up on his dream, he decides to reinvent himself by completing his own Tour de France, an ambitious 31-stage journey across France.

With the help of his friends, family, and even unexpected sponsors, Luc embarks on an extraordinary human adventure. This journey becomes much more than a sporting challenge: it is an inner journey, punctuated by significant encounters, incidents, friendly rivalries, and moments of introspection.

"The Little Runner is a universal novel, accessible to enthusiasts as well as to the general public. It contains life stories that resonate with each of us., confides Loïc. Through the pages, we discover a popular and authentic cycling, far from the spotlight, but full of humanity and efforts bytages.

A human and collective adventure

One of the great assets of The Little Runner lies in its ability to capture the very essence of cycling: a blend of individual effort and collective dynamics.. Loïc Manceau also compares the creation of his book to a team race. Building a novel is like preparing for a big race: there is work, adjustments, and precious support behind the scenes.

This collective dimension also shines through in the story. Luc is never truly alone: ​​his entourage, caring and supportive, plays a key role in his adventure. These secondary characters bring narrative richness and embody the fundamental values ​​of sport: solidarity, loyalty and friendship.

A book that goes off the beaten track

The Little Runner stands out clearly from other works devoted to cycling. « There are many biographies of champions, stories about the Tour de France or training guides, but few novels that talk about amateur cyclists, Sunday enthusiasts, those who roam the routes for the love of cycling », underlines Loïc. This book is a tribute to these anonymous people who, through their passion, keep the spirit of cycling alive.

Loïc doesn't just tell a story. He invites readers to reflect on universal themes: self-denial, the quest for self, and the importance of human relationships. This novel is an ode to effort and humanity. It shows that, even in the face of difficulties, it is always possible to reinvent yourself and find your own way.", he confides.

A literary and sporting journey

The structure of the novel, organized in four parts, reflects the seasons of a year, but also the stages of a life.. The striking passages follow one after the other, highlighting the dilemmas and crucial choices that Luc faces. Each stage of his Tour de France becomes a metaphor for the challenges of existence.

« Cycling is a wonderful school of life. We learn rigor, resilience, but also the importance of mutual aid and partage ", explains Loïc. This philosophy shines through on every page of The Little Runner, offering readers an immersive and inspiring experience.

An author committed to popular cycling

Beyond his talent as a writer, Loïc Manceau is a fervent ambassador for popular cycling.His experience as a journalist and former competitor allows him to accurately capture the realities on the ground. This novel is also a nod to all those people in the shadows who work voluntarily in clubs to keep sport alive.", he emphasizes.

With The Little Runner, Loïc Manceau signs a work that will leave its mark. This novel, both profound and accessible, will delight cycling enthusiasts and lovers of human stories alike. By following Luc's wheel, readers will let themselves be drawn into an adventure full of passion, challenges and emotions.

So, whether you are a seasoned cyclist or simply curious to discover a beautiful life story, get in the saddle with The Little Runner. You will never look at cycling the same way again.