August 11, 2019 (Lenzerheide, SUI) – Pedal caught up with Leandre Bouchard (Pivot Cycles-OTE) the top Canadian in the Elite Men’s XCO race at Lenzerheide, SUI, finishing a career-best 14th. The talented Quebec rider has been making steady gains this season and is looking forward to the upcoming MTB Worlds at home in Mont Sainte Anne.

Congrats – is 14th a career best on the World Cup ?
Léandre Bouchard: Yes, it’s my career-best result racing in the Elite Men’s division.

How was your start… did the race unfold as expected ?
LB: With my Short Track result (17th), I was the first to pick on the third row. From there, I stayed relaxed in the groups I was riding with and moved up on the main climb. My race went as expected- mostly everything went well and fast.

How was the course and conditions… there were a number of mechanicals ?
LB: The course was pettry dry. The course here is super rooty (lot of roots) and we pratice in slipery condition was it was way more grippy and I adapted my lines a bit. There were a few flat tires because everybody wanted to ride low pressusure to have traction on those roots.

Tell us about your last lap did you know you were close to a top 15 result… ?
LB: I knew my position going into last lap, thanks the leaderbord at the finish/lap arch. I was 14th with Lars Forster on my wheel. I was able to see 12 and 13th on the climb. Lars and I were bridging the gap but were a bit short to catch them.

You’re on track for the Worlds at MSA that has to feel good.
LB: I’m really excited to race at Mont-Sainte-Anne for Worlds. I hope I can carry my fitness over there. I have never been so fit in mid-August so I think it’s a good thing for the last race.

Anything to add ?
LB: I felt realy good mentaly. I had good strategies today that make a big difference.