CCA hires Leblanc as MTB coach

The Canadian Cycling Association has announced the signing of Michel Leblanc to a four-year contract as National Mountain Bike Coach. Leblanc is personal coach to Olympic silver medallist Marie-Hélène Prémont, he has managed or coached the Canadian team at numerous international events since 2001 - including the Athens Olympics - and he has held the position of Quebec coach since 1999. He also holds a bachelor's in physical education from the University of Sherbrooke and is a certified teacher. Leblanc will begin his position on May 2.

The National Mountain Bike Coach's responsibilities include developing the National Team MTB program, monitoring athletes, recommending athlete selection to the High Performance Committee, contributing to the development of selection criteria and working with the National Cycling Centres to ensure the development of future National Team members.

"Michel has played an active role within our MTB program over the last few years," said High Performance manager Sean O'Donnell. "He was the guy we wanted to fill this role and we couldn't be happier to have him. He's familiar with most of our athletes across all age categories and more importantly the athletes are familiar with him."