Léandre Bouchard

Biography

Léandre Bouchard is a three-time U23 national champion who completed his first full elite international season in 2015. After competing at the world junior championships in 2010, Bouchard won his first U23 national title in 2011. He successfully defended that title in 2012 and added another in 2014, part of a very strong season that included an eighth place finish at the U23 world championships. He also posted three top-10 finishes in the U23 division on the World Cup circuit. It was after that season that he really began thinking about competing at the Olympic Games. In 2015 he finished second in the elite division at the national championships and made his elite world championship debut before posting a 13^th place finish at the Rio 2016 test event in October. Bouchard began 2016 with his first career top-20 results in elite World Cup events, finishing 19^th in Cairns and 20^th in La Bresse, before making his Olympic debut in Rio.

Getting to know…

Family: Parents Martin Bouchard and Céline Ouellet…Getting into the Sport: Started cycling at age 12… He has always enjoyed cycling and pushing himself physically…Outside Interests: Enjoys all types of cycling (especially BMX and cyclocross), swimming, alpine skiing, winter camping… Studying Physical Education and Health at Université du Québec á Chicoutimi (UQAC)… Athlete ambassador for Alma 2017 Jeux du Québec… Odds and Ends: Inspired by Canadian racers Catharine Pendrel, Emily Batty and Lyne Bessette… Believes that the number 13 is lucky for him…Keeps all of his race numbers…Favourite motto: Life begins at the end of your comfort zone… Nicknames: Dré, Flying Bouchard…