Athlètes Ambassadeurs été 2015What a season for our Athlete Ambassadors: water-skier Pierre Plouffe, triathlete Magali Tisseyre and cyclist Felix Burke! As summer has now come to an end, we met with them so they could share their season highlights and tell us about their plans once the warmer weather is gone.

How would you sum up your 2015 summer season?

Pierre Plouffe: “My season will officially end on Sunday in Florida during the competition at McCormick’s. I’m someone who sets the bar very high, but I can say that my summer was up to par. I underwent several chemotherapy treatments and I’ve had a few bad days, but I still completed all my competitions! I even managed to set three national records, one in each discipline: jumping, slalom and tricks. Actually, I could say that my summer was, after all, fantastic! ”

Magali Tisseyre: “This summer, I had three of my best career performances: 2nd place at the IRONMAN 70.3 event in Monterrey, Mexico, 2nd position at the IRONMAN 70.3 Vineman in California and a 4th place at the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships Austria. But I also had to overcome many obstacles! I had a mechanical problem in the bike event at Oceanside; a leg cramp prevented me from finishing the bike portion at home, in Tremblant; and I had a dislocated rib following a bicycle fall at the St. Anthony’s race in Florida.

In summary, it was a season full of emotions. I learned a lot and also gained confidence. I look forward to 2016! ”

Felix Burke: “My summer adventures began with the Canada Cup at Tremblant. With its great atmosphere and impressive race trail, it’s certainly the highlight of the season. Since Tremblant is my home, I really wanted to push my limits there. The race was very good and I managed to rank second in U23, my first year in this category. It’s a performance that I’m proud and motivated me all season long. It truly was a special day, I love being able to share my playground with the best competitors in the country.

The following races were a bit more of a challenge. Bad luck and an injury prevented me from performing at my best. However, my bike camp, which took place shortly after, definitely boosted my morale.

Cycling Camp is a very special event for me. This camp gives me the chance to share my passion with young people in the region. Their attitude and enthusiasm remind me why I’m in love with the sport and young people give me a lot of inspiration. This year we were about ten on the trails. Jumps, steep descents and obstacles, there was something for everyone! The afternoon we spent at the beach on the last day of camp is one of my best memories of summer.

Several other competitions, such as the 4th Canada Cup in Baie-Saint-Paul, the Canadian Championships and World Cup in Mont-Saint-Anne and Windham in the state of New York, allowed me to push myself. In summary, I had a wonderful, full summer and I’m proud of my results.

What are your plans for the winter?

Pierre Plouffe: “I will be in Mexico in November, as a coach for the World Championship Open. Then, for the 22nd consecutive year, I will join the team at the Tremblant Snow School. I love teaching skiing, sharing my passion for the Mont-Tremblant region and being part of such a great team. ”

Magali Tisseyre: “I have one race to go before the end of the season: the IRONMAN 70.3 in Los Cabos, Mexico. Then it will be time to rest! I have no workouts planned for about two weeks after that, which means I will probably go surfing with my boyfriend Eric on the beaches of California and discover new cafes and restaurants in my area and with my friends. Eric and I also want to find a Westfalia type of vehicle to explore the west coast from California to Whistler and camp along the way. The project is ambitious, but it’s achievable! In early November, I’ll go out West to lend a hand at a triathlon camp. Of course, I’ll also be back in Quebec to visit my family and recharge my batteries! ”

Felix Burke: “I’m currently enrolled at Victoria University to continue my business studies. The leaves might fall, as well as the mercury levels, but definitely not my motivation! The beautiful moments I experienced while traveling this summer in North America and on my Tremblant playground will remain in my thoughts this winter. These memories will be my motivation even during the toughest workouts. I would like to thank my family, my girlfriend, my friends, the Tremblant Resort, JoVelo, Cannondale and my other sponsors. Without your support, I never would have lived such beautiful experiences. ”

What are your plans so far for 2016?

Pierre Plouffe: “As of March, I’ll be back in Florida and coaching there until May. Then I’ll be training all summer for the 2016 World Championships. This will be the highlight of my competitive season and I cannot wait. The date and place have not yet been confirmed, but for now it’s between France, Italy, Peru and Chile. ”

Magali Tisseyre: “I’m planning a competition schedule similar to the one I had in 2015. Some races will be different, but I always focus on the 70.3 World Championships as my ultimate goal, and Olympic races without drafting. I want to keep improving on the 70.3 and Olympic distances and return to the World Championship 70.3 because I still dream of winning! ”

Felix Burke: “I continue to aim for Nationals and I intend to reach the top step of the podium one day. I also want to grow my bike camp project in Mont-Tremblant. To do this, I’d like to organize several bike camp weekends and partner up with local businesses to create a better experience. ”

 

Video highlights Magali’s season (in English only):

After Alcatraz, before Tremblant https://vimeo.com/130816380

Beijing International race recap: https://vimeo.com/141140314

Training this summer: https://vimeo.com/131997176

World Championships (early season video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGz6E4yfnJM