Devinci Announces 2019 National Athletes & Ambassadors
PRESS RELEASE: Devinci
Once again, Devinci has the privilege to support amazing athletes in their quest to reach the top step in their country and beyond.
For Felix Gauthier, President of the company, this is much more than pride:
 | “It’s a must! We have to support these dedicated riders who invest so much time and effort to reach the highest levels of competition. And this motivates us to make the best bikes possible!” |
We also find our inspiration through the amazing adventures, videos, projects and/or other crazy ideas our ambassadors have for us. With such a crew – fun never ends!
Now that the racing season has finally started, here is what they have in mind for 2019.
Georgia Astle – Canada
@georgiaastle
I am over the moon to have support from Devinci this year. It's a nice bonus that they're a Canadian company. Both ends of the country can relate how snowed in our home trails are at the moment.
So my trip to Crankworx New Zealand will be my debut to my new Spartan, and Wilson. The excitement is real!
What’s ahead in 2019
After a year off from travelling overseas, I'm looking forward to heading to a couple of big races this season. My Mom mentioned a girls trip to Scotland that she was planning, it happened to be the first weekend in June. My eyes lit up and I convinced her to go for a little Fort Bill detour with me for the World cup. I'll go to some Canada Cup downhills and Enduros. Whistler Crankworx of course. Then my end goal is Mont-Sainte-Anne for World Champs. Racing is great because it pushes my riding in ways I wouldn't be able to on my own. But that feeling at the bottom of a trail with your buds is unbeatable. So good to have the best of both.
Drooling thinking about summer, the snow can melt now thank you.
Camille Balanche – Switzerland
@cam.bal
Last year, I had such a great time in Queenstown, New Zealand for the start of the season. Plus
my first ever DH race in Lousã, for the European championship where I end up 3rd, that was just amazing! Considering I started to bike 4 year ago, it’s not too bad right? I was playing ice hockey for more than 10 years and I was looking for a new challenge. I definitely found it.
What’s ahead in 2019
I’m gonna focus on all the downhill World Cup, the European championship, compete at two Crankworx and 1 or 2 IXS cup.
Have no fear of perfection, you'll never reach it. But make each day count!
Kenny Smith – Canada
@kennysmith9
Last year with the support from Devinci, I was able to put together an incredible 9-day adventure through the Chilcotin mountains. I cannot wait for the story to come to fruition and be available for you guys to see this crazy backcountry odyssey.
What’s ahead in 2019
This year I will be focusing on another epic adventure deep into another remote yet less explored area of northern British Columbia! I still love my time on the bike. In fact, I want to spend more "DAYS" on the bike.
Philippe Ricard - Canada
@philippericard
My best trip of 2018 was definitely Crankworx Whistler. It was a last minute decision, and my plane ticket was funded by selling bike parts. Being on a hell of a budget, I slept for the entire week of Crankworx on the plywood floor of a house in construction in White Gold. I rode so many laps in two weeks my hands were bleeding in my gloves, it was the best time!
What’s ahead in 2019
I will be focusing on the races leading up to the MSA Worlds. That means the Tremblant Canada Cup, Fernie Canada Cup, National Champs, and a few races in the states. I will also work on an DH edit, and a few smaller ones, trail bike, DH and lifestyle. Oh – and I am the official mecano of Damien Oton and Keegan Wright from Unior Devinci Factory Racing!!
Matt Beer – Canada
@mattb33r
2018 highlights… Where to start? There were some new bikes and some new challenges for me; while filming for the Dirt Diaries video contest, I took down some widow maker lines, landed a spot on the podium at Nationals amongst the current crop of young guns, but the icing on the cake had to the be "The Season Send-Off", hosted by the Free Radicals on Mount Prevost.
Normally, one would take a full face helmet and a downhill bike to the infamous Prevost, however, these guys bounce to a different tune. Actually, they will bounce to any tune at any party! The dirt was heavenly, the weather was sunny, but the October morning air had a soft bite. Winter was encroaching. All cards were on the table. The cameras were out, but the race tape was gone. Surely, none of the EWS regulars would push each other to go race speed, huck everything in sight, or throw down dirt jump tricks - don't to hit the dropper post remote mid-air! It was like a scene from Peter Pan and the Lost Boys; berms were annihilated, doubles were cased, boxes of beer were consumed, cut blocks were pillaged for bonfires, and miraculously, everyone lived! I can't imagine that weekend ever being duplicated.
What’s ahead in 2019
There are some very unique projects and race plans on the agenda for 2019… Frankenstein bike experiments, capturing the raw beauty of the east coast trail I grew up riding, Masters DH World Champs and maybe even an E-bike battery cache traverse!
DEVINCI DEVELOPMENT RACING
Hugo Langevin - Canada
@hugo_langeevin
My best Devinci moment in 2018 is definitely our 3-week trip in BC for 2 Canada cup round and the Championship! The vibe with crew (@quebexican) was sick and the riding was so good. Looking forward repeating this in 2019! But the best races would be at Panorama BC in the national track and MSA World Cup. These tracks were so fast and rough, but the Wilson 29 just took it - so stable and predictable.
What’s ahead in 2019
- MSA World Champs
- Snowshoe World Cup
- Canada Cup Series & National Championship
- Eastern States Cup
John Lefrançois - Canada
@johnlefrancois
Despite injury, 2018 has been one of my most satisfying seasons, I got good results and attended several different events! The highlight of the season was without a doubt my trip to Western Canada with Hugo Langevin and Liam Rourke―fun times and time trials in incredible trails.
What’s ahead in 2019
My objective for 2019 is to carve out a place for myself on the national team for the Mountain Bike World Championships in Mont Ste-Anne. I have always had very achievable objectives, so this one will require a lot of hard work! The World Championships don’t take place in our backyard every year, so I will give it my all to get a spot! I also plan to get involved again in the organization of the Canada World Cup in Mont-Tremblant and Coupe Québec. I have never been so excited to start a new season! This is my fourth year with Devinci and I feel very fortunate to be able to represent a Quebec company! I feel like I’m part of the family and I have all the support I need to focus on what’s important―let’s gooo!
Patrick Laffey - Canada
@patricklaffey
My best moment in 2018 was the BC Cup championships in Sun Peaks, it had just rained the week before and the dirt was perfect. The weather was at its best and I had a great group of friends to do laps with. My Wilson was running great and I ended up riding at my best during race day and taking the win. Definitely the best feeling.
When I first saw Devinci’s new 29er Wilson, I knew it was the bike for me. I’ve always loved riding Devinci’s bikes and I am beyond stoked to have the opportunity to be a part of the team and ride their newest models.
What’s ahead in 2019
In 2019, my main focus will be the Canada Cup circuit. I will attend as many World Cups as possible and I will be present at Crankworx in Whistler. I am motivated, dedicated and hungry.
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that being said it’s interesting to see a person like Kenny who is known for riding crazy lines branching into the endurance / adventure end of the sport.