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August 21, 2025

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Quebec’s Maude Ruelland Wins Mountain Bike Gold in St. John’s, Sets Sights on World Championship and 2028 Olympics

  ST. JOHN'S – For certain athletes participating in St. John's, the 2025 Canada Games will be the pinnacle of their sporting careers.

For others like Team Quebec's Maude Ruelland, winner of the mountain bike cross-country gold on Wednesday, the Games are part of the journey to bigger and better things.

Proof that good things come in small packages the 1.57 metres (5-foot, 2-inch) spark plug powered away from the pack on the technical Pippy Park layout crossing 43 seconds clear of Team Alberta silver medallist Nico Knoll.

Accepting her gold medal it was obvious Ruelland was enjoying her Canada Games experience but back in the Team Quebec compound it was also clear the 18-year-old had already moved on.

  "I am doing the Canada Games just for some fun," said Ruelland. "I know I am not going to be at my best form but I’m here just for fun because I am putting my focus on the world championships.

"It was a fun course lots of roots and rocks and chances for flats but you just ride smooth and hope you don't have any mechanical problems.

"I'm usually pretty good when there is lots of hills and long hills but I am also good in the technical parts so it was a great course for me."

Already ranked among the world top 20 junior mountain bikers, Ruelland is focused on the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships that will be held in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, from Sept. 10-14 where a top 10 finish will be as important as a Canada Games gold.

Cycling Canada already has an eye on the 18-year-old dynamo and according to Team Quebec manager Sabrina Bureau will be battling for a spot on Canada's squad for the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics.

"Oh for sure she is a future star," said Bureau. "She's a little smaller than the others in the field but that's not stopping her.

"She's very determined. A lot of athletes are into a lot disciplines in cycling but she is super focused on mountain biking and she gives it her all. She really loves it, she has passion for it.

"This was a really good stepping stone for her and a confidence booster heading the world championships.