Scott McFarlane
Born: 1965
DS since: 2012
Occupation: Founder of Toguri Training Systems ; Owner and Director Sportif of Silber Pro Cycling
Bio:
Scott Toguri McFarlane is the President of À Bloc Sports Management, which owns and operates Silber Pro Cycling. He is also the owner and Head Coach of Toguri Training Systems, a Montreal-based training facility for cyclists of all ages and levels.
“Success in cycling can be the product of a juggling act whose bowling pins and swords are always morphing into other things and trajectories. I mean, how does a rider when a sprint on a course that does not suit them? So many factors on so many fronts cascade into play. As a result, when you achieve or even exceed your goals, you sometimes don’t know how it all managed to come together. That said, I do know this for sure: the emergence of Silber Pro Cycling this year, and the tremendous growth of my training facility over the last 5 years, are the result of working with incredible people who are committed to the ever-growing culture of cycling–not just wins. A sense of fulfilment comes from the big picture and inspiration is derived from the people who help you see it. My broad goal therefore is to make a significant contribution to the culture of cycling in Canada and Quebec, and to continue to meet people who inspire me along the road.
As for the immediate present, it has been both wonderful and exhausting to be part of Silber Pro Cycling’s notable success during its inaugural season on the Americas Tour. Our staff and riders continue to elevate, and our achievements on the road have led us to the Tour of Alberta. We had a three-year plan, but feel we are now one year ahead of schedule. At À Bloc Sports Management, I’m lucky to work with both a main sponsor, Arthur Silber Investments, and Michael Wolfe from Mandevco Properties. These guys are builders. They help shape my sense of the state of cycling in Canada. Furthermore, they recently increased support while committing for two more years. This means Silber Pro Cycling has the basis for a three-year program. Pieces and people are coming together. Let’s call it the emergence of a team.”
Gordon Fraser
Born: November 19, 1968
DS since: 2009
Occupation: Personal coach at Gord Fraser Coachingt
Bio:
Gordon Fraser practices x-country skiing during his childhood as well as cycling during the summer to maintain peak fitness levels. He took his first cycling license at the age of 17. By 25, he went on a trip to Europe to test himself as an amateur racer with, ASPTT Paris. He was able to put together 21 wins in 1994, among them Paris-Troyes. That July, he signed with Motorola pro cycling team and had the opportunity to ride in the 1994 the World Championships for Canada. He also flew the flag for Canada at the 1996 Atlanta Games in the road race. When Motorola left cycling in 1996, Gord was recruited by the French team Mutuelle de Seine and Marne. With this squad, he won a stage of the Midi Libre and participated in the Tour de France in 1997. As an excellent sprinter, he holds the nickname « Flash Gordon ». The following year, he joined the roster of an American team with Mercury. He would eventually race for this team for the remainder of its existence. During this stint, he won the NRC title twice in 1999 and 2000, as well the as the American Critérium Championships in 2000. With Canada’s national team, he was a silver medallist at the Panam Games and Championships in 1999 and took part in the 2000 Olympic Games. From 2003 to 2006, he rode with the American Professional squad Health Net. In 2004, he would race in his final Olympics as Canada’s national champion. From 2009, he has directed some of the best American Professional teams. This year, he will share his experience with Silber Pro Cycling. Gord now lives in Tucson, with his wife Caryn and their two kids Angus and Axel.