My name is Mathieu Dupelle and I grew up on the outskirts of Montreal, where, at the time, there was not much to do apart from playing in the woods with my dog. When I was 13 years-old, a friend showed me trails where we could hit jumps. That's where biking started for me. I've competed in a bunch of races from Canada Cups to NORBA's. After racing, I worked in a few shops and eventually got a job working at the Canadian World Cup and Joyride in 2003. That led to a job on the World Cup circuit until 2011 when I started with Kona where I now take care of the EWS/DH World Cup/Gravity athletes.
RIDER NEWS
MORE FROM THE COG WHERE ARE YOU FROM AND WHERE DO YOU LIVE?
I’m from the outskirts of Montréal, but I live in Bromont, Quebec, which is probably the best place in Quebec for mountain biking. The community here is really passionate about bikes. Even if there’s real snow in the winter the trail crew still grooms the tracks for fat bikes so everyone can keep rolling almost all year long.
DO YOUR BIKES REQUIRE ANY SPECIAL SETUP TRICKS TO MAKE THEM “JUST RIGHT”?
Yes, they do, especially at the EWS races. My bike is basically the spare bike for Connor and Miranda, so everything has to be on point. Being in the racing business for a while, I really like when everything is perfectly set up for me, I’ve become very picky and spoiled because everything I ride is so nice.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS SEASON?
Getting more views on my YouTube channel (haha). Hopefully 2021 will be a breath of fresh air and we can start traveling to races without too much worry. Usually, I look forward to the end of the season because I love to look back and see everything we accomplished. This year though, I’m looking forward to the start. I’ve been ready since March 2020.
WHO IS THE PERSON YOU MOST ADMIRE AND WHY?
My mom for always being positive and generous with everyone.
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE TRACK OF 2020 AND WHY?
Well I would have to say La Rouche track in Bromont is my favorite, but this year (2020) we were able to ride/hide in Verbier, Switzerland for a week between EWS races and the Yellow track there was awesome.
WHAT WAS THE LAST GIFT YOU GAVE SOMEONE?
I got a free karaoke machine from someone, so I wrapped it up and sent it to Miranda for Christmas. Hopefully she liked it.
WHAT FICTIONAL CHARACTER DO YOU IDENTIFY WITH THE MOST AND WHY?
I don’t watch enough fictional movies.
HOW WOULD CONNOR FEARON DESCRIBE YOU IN JUST THREE WORDS?
direct. generous. competitive.
because I say it how it is, unless we’re driving from race to race when he asks me how much farther it is and I tell him 45 minutes, even when it’s really three more hours.
2020 WAS A CRAZY YEAR, CAN YOU SHARE WITH US ONE HIGHLIGHT AND LOWLIGHT?
My lowlight has to be not being able to travel or compete in international events. This entire pandemic has been tough, but hopefully it'll be over soon!
Last Thing You Lost?
I somehow lose rain jackets when they’re very needed.
Last Video Part That Got You Hyped?
Well, I keep re-watching Gamble Movie when I eat breakfast before we go ride.
Last Person you followed on Instagram?
@geemilner
Last TV show you watched?
I watched The Pinkbike Academy reality show—kind of cool, but kind of not cool.
Last song you listened to?
East Bound and Down from Jerry Reed—It’s the teams favorite. They love it.
Last poster pinned to your bedroom wall?
In 1996 I plastered my wall with cool bike photos from MTB Action magazine.
Last Meal?
Cereal with vanilla almond milk.
Last time you got a flat tire on a bike?
A piece of metal went through my tire in June.
Last book you read?
Magnus Waker, a book about old Porsches.
Last thing you gave up for good?
SPD pedals – I’m just way more comfortable with flats.
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