Pivot Cycles-OTE is already doing a huge lift to help Canadian cross country riders excel at the international level. Now, the Quebec-based squad is doubling down. The outfit launched a second team aimed at helping riders make their way to the international stage.
Meet: Pivot Continental Division
The new squad is, as mentioned, focused on building success on the North American race circuit as riders transition up to the World Cup team. The announcement says the teams will run in parallel, with the World Cup team obviously lending the support and knowledge of its years of racing across North America and around the world.
“This new structure expands our reach, empowers more athletes, and strengthens our foundation for the next era of mountain biking,” explains the announcement.
Pivot Continental Division launches with two athletes. Felix-Antoine Leclair and Tristan Taillefer.
How a small Quebec cross country squad became the nation’s team
Felix-Antoine Leclair is going into second year of Under 23 racing. After a 2024 junior season where he finished second at nationals and top-25 at worlds, 2025 saw him earn a pair of U23 World Cup starts.
Tristan Taillefer is going into his first season in U23. After a second at nationals as a junior and a podium showing at Pan Am continental champs as a junior, he’ll be looking to find footing, and results, in the new age category.
Continental squad builds on World Cup success
The wing of Pivot Cycles-OTE adds to a World Cup-focused squad that is as strong as ever. The team’s reached across the Quebec-Ontario border to add Ian Ackert to the team and bring back Gunnar Holmgren after a few years on other squads.
The complete Pivot Cycles-OTE roster for 2026 includes Maude Ruelland, Lily-Rose Marois, Simon Reulland, Raphael Auclair, Maxime St-Onge, Gunnar Holmgren, Owen Clark, Zorak Paille, and Ian Ackert. Those riders are spread across the under-23 and elite categories.