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Canadian MTB Champ Raphael Gagne Joins Prestigious Roster of Pedal Columnists

by pedalmag.com
Raphael Gagne  ©  Michal Cerveny
May 26, 2016 – Pedal is pleased to announce and welcome reigning Canadian MTB XCO and Pan Am Games champ, Raphael Gagne (QC) Cannondale 360Fly P/B Sugoi to our all-star line up of writers. Gagne, who had a stunning 2015 season, is partnering with legendary Catharine Pendrel in our MTB Frontlines column in this Olympic year.

Gagne with Pan Am gold medal  ©  Peter Kraiker
Winning the CX National title as well, Gagne also captured the prestigious US CUP Pro Series XCT title last year and posted a career-best 6th at round #6 of the UCI MTB XCO World Cup in Windham, New York.

The talented rider, who was voted Best Overall Cyclist (Male or Female) and Best Overall Senior/U23 Male Cyclist in Pedal Magazine’s 2015 Cycling Awards, forged his career with Rocky Mountain over a 10-year period, and recently joined the newly formed Cannondale 360Fly P/B Sugoi squad for 2016.

Raphael Gagne wins QC Fatbike Champs  ©  infovelo (2)
To kick of the 2016 season, Gagne promptly won the inaugural Fat Bike Provincial championships in his home province of Quebec. He followed that up with a win at the opening round of the 2016 Canada MTB Cup that debuted at Bear Mountain in March and added another victory at Pro XCT #1 Kenda Cup #3 in Fontana, CA.

Raphael Gagne (QC) Cannondale 360fly wins Bear Mtn Canada Cup  ©  Jon Watkin
Men's Pro XCT #1 podium (l-r) Wells, Zandstra, Gagne, Rohrbach, Jette  ©  Cannondale

He’s currently in La Bresse, France getting ready for this weekend’s UCI MTB XCO World Cup #3, following a 12th-place finish at round #1 in Cairns, AUS and a 28th-place result in Albstadt, Germany at round #2 while under the weather. Look for “Raph’s” first column in Pedal Spring 2016 on how he trained for the upcoming season with riding buddy and fellow national teamer, Leandre Bouchard.

Bouchard and Gagne training in Guatemala  ©  courtesy of Raphael Gagne

“I’m stoked to join the Pedal crew that includes many of Canada’s best riders and I’m honoured to share the mountain bike column with Catharine Pendrel. I look forward to providing an inside look at the sport with my new team during this Olympic year,” commented Gagne.

The Pedal crew also includes Svein Tuft, Monique Sullivan, Ed Veal and Sandra Walter along with legends such as Steve Bauer, Alex Stieda, Gord Singleton and another awesome Canuck soon to be announced.

Pedal wishes Gagne continued success with his new squad and all Canadian riders the very best in the season ahead.

Gagne on the move to a career-best 18th at Worlds  ©  Andrew Rogers

 

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