The patient rise of Gabriel Séguin, Canada's new cycling hope
At just 19 years old, Gabriel Séguin, originally from Les Cèdres, is making a name for himself in Canadian and international cycling. His journey, which began almost by chance, perfectly illustrates the value of perseverance and the power of quality coaching.
Modest but passionate beginnings
It all began at age 11, when Gabriel rode his friend William Bourbonnais' old bike. Fascinated by his performance in school duathlons, he decided to accompany him and try the adventure for himself. He quickly joined the ZVP Opto-Réseau cycling club, now Alliance Expertisemed, at the Centre Multisports André-Chagnon.
In his first season with the U13s. It wasn't always easy at first, but he was determined to give his all at every start.
In high school, he joined the Center's sports-study program in cycling, where he found a structured environment. “I immediately felt well supported, with all the tools I needed to progress,” he says. His early years in the U13 and U15 categories were marked by average results, but Gabriel didn't give up. “Even though I never won, I dreamed of one day standing on the podium.”
The breakthrough in the U17s and confirmation in the U19s
His progress accelerated during adolescence. In the U17 category, he won the provincial championship title thanks to a victory in the time trial and a second place finish in the road race. “That was a turning point. I realized I could win.”
Provincial road champion in his first year as a junior.
Two years later, he confirmed his talent in his first year with the U19s by winning the provincial road championships. His confidence was solidified: Gabriel now knew he had what it took to dream bigger.
The formative experience of Brittany
In 2024, his second junior year took him to Europe, to Club Plancoët in Britanny. It was a demanding immersion that marked a turning point. “I quickly realized that the level was much higher and that I had to work twice as hard.” That year, he won three victories, including the prestigious Louison-Bobet Trophy, one of the most coveted races for French juniors.
From road to track: versatility pays off
The opening of the Bromont velodrome in 2022 also led him to the track. At the 2024 Canadian Championships, he shone with two titles (points race and Madison with his friend and role model Jonathan Hinse) and two silver medals. “Sharing this with Jonathan, whom I have always admired, was incredible.”
Champions canadiens du Madison avec son coéquipier et ami Jonathan Hinse.
These performances earned him his first selection to Team Canada, heading to the Netherlands and the Czech Republic for road events. “Wearing the maple leaf for the first time was a huge source of pride.”
The Elite Breakthrough
In 2025, at the age of 19, Gabriel reached a new milestone: the Elite category. His first season exceeded all expectations: seven podium finishes, including four victories. He was selected to represent Quebec at the Canada Games, where he distinguished himself by winning silver in the individual time trial, just one second behind the winner, and gold in the premier event, the road race.
All-Quebec podium in the road race at the 2025 Canada Games with his friend Jonathan Hinse, silver medalist.
The highlight of his season? Being selected to represent Canada at the Quebec City and Montreal Grand Prix cycling events, alongside the world's best professionals. “Even though I was beaten, I realized I wasn't that far off. This year has shaped me mentally and physically.”
In action in the cold and rain during his victory in the fourth stage of this year's Charlevoix Cycling Grand Prix. He finished second in the overall standings.
Alongside world champion Tadej Pogacar at the recent Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal.
A strong support network and a clear vision
Gabriel has progressed so quickly because he has surrounded himself with the right people. “My friends have influenced me a lot, as have my coach and the athletic director at the ZVP Opto Réseau club, Michel Brazeau and Gilles Besner, who passed on their passion to me. I would also like to thank Jérémie Fontanaud, a friend and coach who has helped me over the last few years, and of course my family, who have always been there for me through thick and thin.”
Gilles Besner et Michel Brazeau au Grand prix cycliste de Charlevoix en 2023
He makes many sacrifices between sports, studies, and his personal life, but he knows where he wants to go. In 2026, he will join TaG Cycling, a Canadian-based team offering him a challenging schedule. His goals? To perform well on the track, aim for a jersey at the Canadian championships, secure a place in the Tour de l'Avenir, a road stage race featuring the world's best U23 riders, and move into professional coaching in 2027.
The future of a Quebec hopeful
From the old bike he borrowed from his friend William to the Quebec City and Montreal Grand Prix races, Gabriel's journey over the past eight years commands respect. At 19, he embodies the new generation of Quebec and Canadian cycling: passionate, patient, and ambitious.
“My ultimate dream is to turn pro. But what matters is to keep improving, step by step, as I've always done.”
Athlete profile
- Name : Gabriel Séguin
- Age : 19 ans
- From : Les Cèdres, Québec
- Training clubs : ZVP Opto-Réseau / Alliance Expertismed
- 2026 Team : TaG Cycling
- Strengths : Time trials, endurance races, track/road versatility
