Belgians Doing Exceptional Things in the Costa del Sol: Meet Olivier Jadoul

Willem De Cock
Jun 18
3 min read

At Signature Properties, we love to celebrate the vibrant and diverse community that makes the Costa del Sol such a special place to live. Today, we want to shine a spotlight on a truly remarkable Belgian who’s not just making a difference locally, but is also inspiring people far beyond our sunny shores: Olivier Jadoul.

Who is Olivier Jadoul?

Olivier Jadoul is an ultra-distance athlete originally from Belgium, who has called Benalmádena home for over a decade. His journey is anything but ordinary. Before he ever set foot on a racing bike, Olivier was already a decorated athlete in combat sports, with European gold and silver medals in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, multiple MMA titles in Andalusia, and a bronze at the national level in Spain. But it was a personal turning point and a conversation with his four children that set him on a new path: to attempt a world record in cycling, a sport he had never practiced before Esprit Sud.

The First Succeeded Challenge: Crossing the Iberian Peninsula

In November 2022, Olivier took on his first ultra-cycling challenge: crossing the Iberian Peninsula from Jávea (Spain) to Sesimbra (Portugal), a distance of nearly 1,000 kilometers. He completed this feat in just 65 hours—two and a half days—setting a new record for the route and becoming the first person to undertake this attempt under World Ultra Cycling Association (WUCA) certification WUCA. The challenge was as much mental as it was physical. Olivier faced cold nights, fatigue, and even a bout of sickness halfway through, but he pushed on, fueled by the desire to show his children—and the world—that with determination, anything is possible. Crossing into Portugal after more than 40 hours without sleep was a highlight, giving him a surge of energy and hope. The finish at Cabo Espichel, under a sky full of stars, marked not just the end of a journey, but the beginning of a new chapter in his life.

Achievements and Ongoing Challenges

Since that first record, Olivier has continued to push boundaries, taking on new ultra-endurance challenges and using his platform to inspire others and promote sustainability. This year, he is preparing for what might be his most ambitious feat yet: cycling 1,000 miles (over 1,600 kilometers) without stopping, aiming to set a new world record. As part of his preparation, he recently completed the Green Push Challenge, a grueling 777-kilometer ride over seven days, designed not just as a physical test, but as a campaign to raise awareness about climate change and the impact of our transportation choices AZ Costa del Sol.

But his efforts don’t stop there. Earlier this year, he completed the “Desafío CO2,” a 30-hour triathlon from Málaga to the peak of Mulhacén, combining swimming, cycling, and mountain climbing—all to highlight the importance of sustainable travel and reducing our carbon footprint Ideal.es.

Olivier’s story is a testament to resilience and the power of reinvention. He trained for just 11 months before his first record attempt, coming from a period of personal upheaval. His preparation included daily swimming, running, and, eventually, long hours on the bike, all while balancing family life and work. He also used his challenge to support a charity for abandoned children in Cameroon, donating half of the funds raised to the cause Esprit Sud.

More Than Just a Record

Olivier’s story is about more than athletic achievement. It’s about resilience, community, and using sport as a platform for positive change. He’s also deeply involved in charitable work, supporting causes like children’s education in Cameroon through his challenges.

How You Can Support

We at Signature Properties are proud to support Olivier and his mission. If you’re inspired by his journey and want to follow his progress, you can connect with him on Instagram or YouTube. Olivier is still looking for sponsors to help him break the world record and complete the 1,000-mile challenge. If you or your business would like to be part of this extraordinary adventure, don’t hesitate to reach out—your support could help make history.

Final Thoughts

Olivier Jadoul reminds us that the Costa del Sol is not just a place of beauty, but also a home to people who dream big and act even bigger. We look forward to sharing more stories of Belgians doing exceptional things in our community. Stay tuned!

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