Up and Coming: Anne Laplante – Canada’s Top Junior Woman

From throwing no-footers at the local dirt jumps to achieving top results at the Canadian Nationals for downhill, Anne Laplante is an up and coming name to get to know. At just 17 years of age, she is fast, talented and leading Canada’s junior women to the podium. Laplante recently took the 2008 Junior Canadian National Champion title for DH at Mont St. Anne on July 13, and her time was so fast that she would have placed 5th overall in Elite Women.By Amber Zirnhelt

So, what are Anne’s secrets to success? The junior rider notes her love for riding, supportive parents, and Gatineau based friends that introduced her to the sport and continue to push her to ride harder, smoother and faster. She is also lucky to have a brother who is a professional photographer.


“I mostly just ride for fun. I ride almost every day, but it’s about fun,” Laplante says.
“It depends on what I can get to for riding. Sometimes it is dirt jumps, I do some cross-country ‘training rides’ too, but it comes down to just wanting to ride as much as possible.”

Motivated by her craving for time on the bike, Laplante aspires to become one of the top Canadian downhill racers - a goal that she is already well on her way to achieving.


One of the qualities you’ll notice immediately after spending some time with Anne is that she is modest. Sure, she can throw down at the local dirt jumps just as well as the boys, but it takes some prying to get her to tell you that her bag of tricks includes bar spins, no-footers, x-ups, and tables. She also rides the skate park and shows her moves on the concrete with roll-backs and other skate park moves. Last year, during Womenworx at Crankworx in Whistler, Anne placed 3rd in Amateur in the women’s freeride competition.


She also does not boast about her experience on the Canadian National Team for the 2007 World Championships in Fort William, which included a 6th place finish, or the fact that she is a member of the Quebec Team.

“I love racing. I race to push my limits and see where I can improve,” she says, emphasizing her favorite part of riding as “the feeling you have when you are on your bike, just riding. You don’t think about anything else.”


Anne started riding just five years ago and is now in her third season racing DH. She is supported by Cyclo sportif G.M Bertrand bike shop, Evolutra global corporation, Dupont et Dupont, Studio Signs, Statik images and Duro vitres d'autos. Keep your eyes on her at the upcoming World Cups at Mont St.Anne (July 25) and Bromont (Aug 2).


Some of Anne's photos were supplied by Francois Laplante of www.statikimages.com.

---

This article is the first in a series of articles Amber will be writing for Pinkbike.com focusing on female athletes in both DH and freeriding. Stay tuned for the next article featuring Rachel Atherton.

Amber Zirnhelt is a racer, coach, and member of Canada’s Esteem Team.
She is supported by:
Dunbar Cycles/Devinci Bikes
Race Face Components
Loeka Clothing
MRP Chain Guides
Bell Helmets
Industry Nine Wheels
Maxxis Tires
Park Tools
Bumblebar
Crankbros. Pedals
ODI Grips