Cycling Canada is pleased to recognize the commissaires, organizers and events that have made significant contributions to the sport of cycling in Canada over the 2021 period. After a year plagued with event cancellations and postponements, Canadian organizers came back in full force and gave athletes the unique opportunity to develop their skills domestically across a variety of cycling disciplines.
The Event of the Year recipients were selected through a month-long public and internal voting process. Among the standout events hosted this year from coast-to-coast was the Dieppe Canada Cup XCO & XCC in New Brunswick (Mountain Bike), the Classique des Appalaches & Gran Fondo races (Road), 2021 Canadian Road Championships (Para) and 2021 Canadian XCO MTB Championships, hosted in various parts of Quebec, as well as the Calgary BMX Canada Cup in Alberta.
“Despite ongoing challenges, our wonderful organizers, dedicated officials, volunteers and staff worked relentlessly to put together and deliver world-class events for athletes across the country,” said Jolène Dupuis, Events & Officials Manager at Cycling Canada. “We would like to thank everyone who has played a crucial role in growing the passion for the sport in Canada and for their commitment and resilience. Congratulations to all of our award recipients!”
The Commissaire of the Year recipients were nominated by their peers and provincial cycling associations for their standout accomplishments and tireless work at local, national and international events. The International Commissaire of the Year was awarded to veteran Michael Drolet who has been in the business for almost 30 years and was the sole Canadian commissaire to be assigned to the Tokyo Olympic Games. The national title was awarded to newly recognized provincial instructor and Elite National Mountain Bike commissaire Christian Côté.
2021 Event of the Year
Mountain Bike – Dieppe Canada Cup XCO & XCC
Road – Classique des Appalaches
Para-cycling – 2021 Canadian Road Championships
BMX Racing – Calgary BMX Canada Cup
Canadian Championships – 2021 Canadian XCO & XCC MTB Championships
2021 Commissaire of the Year
International – Michael Drolet (QC)
National – Christian Côté (QC)