Gabrielle Pilote Fortin

Gabrielle Pilote Fortin joins the team this season as the second Canadian after Joelle Numainville. That means Cervélo Bigla Pro Cycling houses both the Canadian elite and under 23 road champions in the two riders. 22 year old Pilote Fortin forms part of the team's objective to develop the best young talent in the sport into established elite riders. 

Height:
166cm

Weight:
52 Kg

Age:
22

Place of birth:
Quebec, Canada

Date of Birth:
April 26th 1993

How did you get into cycling?
My parents are big cycling enthusiasts ever since I remember they where going for bike rides and cycling trips, they would always watch the Tour or have cycling magazines in the house. For me it just was a natural thing to eventually get into cycling. They bought my twin sister and me each a small steal road bike with frame shifters for our 8th birthday, and we all started to do family rides all together. I got into a club team a little bit after and I never stopped riding my bike since then.

A description of the kind of rider you are: I am a good team player and I love to work and share victories with my teammates.  I get really excited when I am on my bike, I love to race or go for long scenic rides in the mountains. I love to train alone, I really find myself in biking. It’s to me my precious MeTime and it just makes me really happy. I am a hard worker though and so I like to train hard and to push myself to the limit… It’s good that I have a good coach that holds me back sometimes so I don’t do too much.

What are your strengths on the bike?
I am a good climber, and I like endurance, either tough weather conditions or long hard rides in the mountains. I am pretty good all-rounder as well which makes me a good teammate in the end.

What’s the most significant (good or bad) thing that has happened to you during your career?
First time at World’s championships when I was a junior was a real life-changing event for me. We travelled to Belgium a month before the race to do Kermesses and get use to the time difference and that’s when I realized how much I loved racing in Europe and how much I wanted to make it into the sport.

Who inspired you to start cycling?
I would say both my mom and dad; they are very supportive to all my siblings and me. For me it is super inspiring to see how dedicated they are to us and how generous they are.

What interests do you have away from cycling?
I am doing a University degree in Marketing at the moment, and off the bike this is what takes most of my time. I love art, I am a good artist, I love to draw to paint and to do any other type of graphic art. I am also a yoga lover, I must do it at least 3-4 times a week. Finally I am well renown for my love of carrots and coffee,  with that combination I usually get called the crazy bunny of the crew.