Get ready to witness a cycling revolution! A young Canadian talent is about to shake up the peloton, and his name is Michael Leonard. But here's where it gets exciting: Leonard isn't just joining any team; he's teaming up with EF Education-EasyPost, a squad renowned for its bold, unconventional racing style. This partnership promises to be a game-changer, and here's why.
EF Education-EasyPost proudly announces the signing of Michael Leonard, a 21-year-old Canadian prodigy from Oakville, Ontario. With three years of professional racing under his belt, Leonard is eager to showcase his skills in the most grueling one-day classics and secure a spot in his first grand tour. His WorldTour-proven power and maturity beyond his years make him a formidable addition to the team. What drew Leonard to EF Education-EasyPost was their fearless approach to racing, a culture that encourages riders to take risks and express their unique strengths.
And this is the part most people miss: Leonard's journey to the top wasn't just about talent; it was about embracing challenges and learning from diverse experiences. He explains, 'This team has a distinct identity. Even as a kid watching the sport, I was drawn to their exciting culture. They're always on the attack, seizing opportunities, and allowing riders to race in ways that suit them best. It's a team that truly maximizes its riders' potential, often bringing out the best in those who might not fit elsewhere.'
Leonard's path to the WorldTour began in kids' triathlons and took off at the Mattamy National Cycling Centre, a velodrome near his hometown built for the 2015 Pan American Games. 'That velodrome was the epicenter of my development,' he recalls. 'The positive environment, the talented riders, and the dedicated coaches set the stage for my success.' From there, he transitioned to road racing, excelling in Canada's junior ranks before taking on international competition.
But here's the controversial part: At just 17, Leonard moved to Italy, immersing himself in a foreign cycling culture where English was rarely spoken. Was this a risky move for a young athlete? Perhaps, but Leonard sees it differently. 'It was a dream come true,' he says. 'Being surrounded by experienced cyclists and racing every weekend in Italy was an unparalleled learning opportunity.' This bold decision paid off, earning him his first WorldTour contract.
Despite a hip injury early in his second season, Leonard turned adversity into advantage. 'That injury allowed me to reevaluate my approach and reset my body,' he explains. 'When I returned to racing, I was stronger than ever, and my performance has been on an upward trajectory since.' His results speak for themselves: he's the reigning Canadian time trial champion, a stage winner at the Tour de l’Avenir, and a consistent performer in challenging WorldTour stage races.
EF Pro Cycling founder and CEO Jonathan Vaughters sees Leonard's potential as limitless. 'His ability to excel in short time trials caught my attention,' Vaughters notes. 'In sports physiology, there's a saying: you can turn a miler into a marathoner, but not the other way around. Michael's performance in that TT showed he has the high-VO2-max motor needed for greatness. He's a time trialist who can climb, making him a double threat in breakaways.'
Leonard's focus now is on continuous improvement. 'I'm not fixated on specific results,' he says, 'but on consistently animating the biggest races, fighting for stages, and supporting my teammates. I want to look back on my career knowing I gave it my all.'
Off the bike, Leonard enjoys playing the piano and reading history books at his European base in Andorra. With EF Education-EasyPost, he's poised to write his own history in the world of cycling.
Here's a thought-provoking question for you: Can a team's culture truly unlock a rider's potential, or is success solely dependent on individual talent? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don't forget to sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on Michael Leonard's journey with EF Education-EasyPost!
)
