June 04, 2014 (Chicoutimi, QC) – Rémi Pelletier-Roy, representing Garneau-Quebecor, is one of the most versatile cyclists in the peloton, with proven results in track cycling as a multiple Canadian Champion, with excellent sprinting abilities as showcased the last two years during the Challenge Sprint Pro, and with surprising endurance skills as regularly seen in long road races and breakaways.

Pelletier-Roy, who was named yesterday to Canada’s team heading to the 2014 Commonwealth Games, is preparing for a possible participation at the 2015 Pan-American Games and 2016 Olympic Games, in the men team pursuit on the track. And he studies medicine on top of his athletic career.

Here is a brief chat with Rémi Pelletier-Roy.

What are your goals in the first Grand Prix of Saguenay?
RPR: I like being an aggressive rider and I certainly try to take part in the breakaways when I can. Also, since we have good sprinters on our team, I will be there for my teammates so that they can get good results on the stages that has a potential sprint finish.

You come back to Ireland where you rode with the Canadian National Team at the An Post Ras race. Can you describe this race and your performance?
RPR: I love this race. This is the second year that I have the chance to participate with the Canadian team. Last year I got a second place at one stage and I finished fifth overall. This year, we had two options in terms of the general classification with Nic Hamilton and myself, and I was very delighted to help Nic protect his third place overall. Pierrick Naud, who also made it to the third step of the podium at the last stage, is certainly another result worth mentioning in this eight-day stage race.

You are a formidable sprinter, as seen in the past two years during the Challenge Sprint Pro in Québec at the Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec (WorldTour). Do you see yourself as a specialist in sprints finishes?
RPR: Sprints during the Challenge Sprint Pro suit me well since they are reduced group sprints on an uphill false flat. I think I have some qualities found in sprinters, especially with my takeoff coming from the track, but I do not consider myself a specialist of peloton sprints. But usually, I can get by really well in the sprint from a breakaway…

You are multiple Canadian Champion on the track. You focus your efforts and energies on what discipline, with the 2015 Pan American Games and 2016 Olympics coming up?
RPR: My efforts are focused on the men’s team pursuit program. I think it aptly represents our best chance to participate in the next Olympic Games in Rio in 2016. Meanwhile, with events like the Pan American Championships each year, and Pan American Games in Toronto in 2015, I continue to work on the areas to perform well in the points race and the individual pursuit. Racing on the road also allows me to continue to increase my fitness for these important goals for me on the track.

What are the season’s goals? I think you had a lot of success in the criterium in the United States?
RPR:Louis (Garneau) had mandated us this year to perform well on the criteriums in the United States because we did not have enough visibility in this regard in the past. I think that indeed it was mission accomplished with some of my performances, but also those of the entire team. More personally, my main goal this year is to ride the team pursuit in less than 4min 10sec at the next Commonwealth Games next July. This would allow me to see where I stand globally, and to prepare adequately for the next World Cup season, which is the first season of Olympic qualification.

To ride in Quebec before your supporters in this important race must be special for you. How do you foresee cycling in Canada and in Quebec at this time?
RPR:Yes, I am very happy to return to Quebec in June and can race in front of my family and friends. I’m out since January, so a homecoming will definitely good! I think cycling in Quebec and Canada is doing very well. To see the results and the work that the road guys such as Antoine Duchesne with EuropCar, Hugo Houle at AG2R, Guillaume Boivin at Cannondale, etc. to name only the Quebecers, I think we can be very proud! Ryder Hesjedal with Garmin-Sharp was impressive to climb up the GC at the Giro a few weeks ago, after Svein Tuft of Orica-GreenEDGE sported the pink jersey on the second stage… I believe that Canada is increasingly getting better on World cycling scene.

You study medicine at Laval University. How do you juggle studies and cycling?
RPR: I certainly have the chance to have a Director of Studies that understands my situation! I initially completed the preclinical section of my education in four years (whereas normally it is done in three years) and I am currently two years off to concentrate on the realization of my athletic dreams and completing a Masters project. I return to the classrooms that will end my education in 2016… Ideally after the Olympics!

More information on the race can be found here.