Hugo Houle
Hugo Houle (born 27 September 1990) is a Canadian professional cyclist, who currently rides for UCI WorldTeam . Career. Born in Sainte-Perpétue, Centre-du-Québec, Quebec, Houle began racing triathlons, aged 10, alongside his brother, before focussing on cycling at the age of 16. He became acquainted with former professional cyclist Louis Garneau, who provided him with a team and equipment. Between 2008 and 2010, Houle combined cycling with completing a college degree in Québec. After graduating, he signed his first professional contract with Canadian team . Whilst at , Houle won the general classification of the Tour de Québec  as well as a stage. He also finished third in the Canadian National Time Trial Championships in 2012, as well as finishing fourth at the under-23 road race at the 2012 UCI Road World Championships. AG2R La Mondiale (2013–17). disbanded at the end of the 2012 season, and Houle moved to French professional team . During this time, he competed in the Giro d'Italia twice and the Vuelta a España once. He also won the time trial at the Pan American Games and the Canadian National Time Trial Championships in 2015. In 2016, he was officially named in Canada's 2016  Olympic team. Astana (2018–21). In 2018, Houle signed for , becoming the first Canadian to sign for the team. He rode his first Tour de France in 2019. In September 2019, he extended his contract with through 2022. He represented Canada at the 2020 Summer Olympics. Israel Start-Up Nation. Despite holding a contract for the 2022 season with the , Houle left the team, and joined on a three-year contract. Personal life. Houle's brother, Pierrick, was killed in a drink-driving accident in 2012 while out running. Since then, Houle has contributed to Opération Nez Rouge (), a charity which  aims to stop drink-driving on the roads.