January 30, 2018 (Ottawa, ON) – Cycling Canada is pleased to announce the athletes who will be part of the MTB NextGen DTE Program for 2018, which is already underway for the current racing season.

The MTB NextGen DTE Program is focused on providing targeted athletes with an elevated level of support to move seamlessly into the elite ranks and deliver international podium performances. Support includes a world-class Daily Training Environment, including personalized and periodized coaching and integrated support services, with a focus on performances on the international competition schedule. The program is designed to offer athletes an optimized preparation with the goal of increasing opportunities for selection onto national program projects and international performances within the national program. Program services are based out of Victoria, BC, with the training environment moving as required throughout the year.

“We have an exceptional group of eager and hard-working athletes,” said Mountain Bike NextGen Coach, Jeff Ain. “The work is well underway, and things are looking bright for the future of mountain bike in Canada. I am very fortunate to work every day with this group, as well as the exceptional support network of service providers who help underpin the program.”

All athletes accepted to the core program are coached by Cycling Canada’s MTB NextGen coach, Jeff Ain, and will have full access to all projects and integrated support services through the Canadian Sport Institute Pacific. In addition to the core program athletes, there is a pool of eleven associate athletes who are offered training opportunities based on project capacity and availability.

The 2018 squad consists of:

– Sean Fincham (Squamish, BC)
– Dana Gilligan (Oro Medonte, ON)
– Soren Meeuwisse (Oro Medonte, ON)
– Mackenzie Myatt (Musquodoboit Harbour, NS)