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Pier-André Coté graduates to UCI pro continental ranks with Rally Cycling

21-year-old from Quebec City becomes the fifth Silber Pro Cycling rider to sign a pro contract

Pier Andre Cote
Pier Andre Cote
Photo: VeloImages

Pier-André Coté has become the fifth Silber Pro Cycling rider to graduate to a pro contract after signing a contract to ride with American UCI pro continental team Rally Cycling. The 21-year-old native of Quebec City joins a strong stable of Canadians at Rally including his former Silber teammate Nigel Ellsay, Rob Britton, Adam de Vos, former Canadian champion and Silber rider Matteo Dal-Cin, and director sportif Eric Wolhberg.

“It only took one conversation with [performance director] Jonas Carney to convince me that the program was the best fit for me,” said Coté. “I was looking for a smooth transition to Europe while still racing with a well established North American team with a focus on performance. I come to the team open minded and ready to learn from some of the best cyclists in North America.”

Coté joined Silber in 2017 and quickly established himself on the team. He won the 2017 Canadian criterium championship title in his first attempt and came third in the road race. Representing Quebec he was victorious in the road race and crit at the Canada Games then set a new course record at the speedy season finale of the Mardis Cyclistes de Lachine. His success lead to his selection to represent Canada at the Grand Prix Cycliste de Quebec and Montreal before heading to Bergen world championships.

Pier-André Côté was the youngest rider in the race. He rode in the breakaway at the 2018 GP Quebec.

Under the tutelage of Silber DS Gord Fraser, Coté was given more responsibility in 2018 and responded with two wins at the Tour de Beauce. He also placed sixth on Stage 3 of the Tour of Utah and fifth place on Stage 3 at the Colorado Classic. He will once again represent Canada at the GPQM.

Upon joining Rally which has an extensive and growing European program, Coté will get the opportunity to gain experience and prove himself against the competitive European peloton.

“Racing in Europe is for sure one of the things I look forward to the most next year,” said Coté. “I raced there only once when I was a junior and I am excited to go back being a completely different cyclist. Having a lot more confidence and experience, but still carrying that desire to learn and progress.”