July 10, 2016 (Lenzerheide, SUI) – We caught up with Leandre Bouchard following his superb career-best 18th-place finish in the Elite Men’s XCO in Lenzerheide, SUI earlier today. Bouchard was 13th with about half a lap to go but suffered a fateful flat that dropped him back a few spots. His previous best result was 20th in La Bresse, France for his first Euro top-20 – he was 19th in Cairns, Australia at round #1 of the UCI XCO World Cup series. Bouchard was also recently 20th at the MTB Worlds in Nove Mesto, CZE where he was 5th back in 2014 for his best U23 World Cup result – he was 8th that same year at the MTB Worlds in Hafjell, Norway – full results from Lenzerheide here.
How does it feel to have another career-best result?
Léandre Bouchard: It feels really good – even better that I was able to get into the Top 15 and still continue to pass riders.
You seem more motivated each race – is your confidence building after each competition ?
LB: The confidence is building but it’s not a limiting factor. I know that I can do well…and now I know it more than ever.
How was the course in Lenzerheide ?
LB: Tough as usual but with less climbing than what we usually see on the circuit. But that also means fewer downhills and less recovery time – so that was hard.
Tell us how Lenzerheide unfolded – you seemed to move up quickly.
LB: I had a good start but it was only after Lap 3 that I was able to really move forward each lap.
On the final lap you were 13th with Dan McConnell – what happened to set you back a bit ?
LB: I was on his wheel but unfortunately I flatted at the back. I used my Co2 cartridge and reached the Tech Zone with a tire that continued to loose air quickly.
You’re knocking on the door to make the top 10 – is that a goal this season ?
LB: Top 10 was not even in my mind when I started the season. By having already achieved three Top 20s, I know that a Top 15 is coming soon and now maybe even a Top 10 as well.
The fans looked huge – was it similar to Nove Mesto and did it help with all of the cheering ?
LB: There were a lot of spectators but it didn’t beat Nove Mesto. Cheering is always motivating.
All the best.
LB: Thanks