The Global Relay Bridge the Gap Fund (BTG) is a national cycling development program created in 2012 by Global Relay and five of Canada’s top cyclists. The BTG Fund helps promising Canadian cyclists ‘bridge the gap’ from junior to elite levels, from local to international racing and, ultimately, to careers in pro cycling.
In 2012 the Fund identified athletes in need of financial support, functioned as network connectors, agents and provided direct-financial assistance to athletes. Today BTG does much more →
Vancouver-based professional cyclists Ryan Anderson and Will Routley along with Global Relay executive founders Warren Roy and Shannon Rogers conceived of the fund in 2012. Global Relay committed $400,000 over four years to ‘seed fund’ initiatives to support rising young cyclists in Canada.
Corporate Funding
Principal support to the fund is through the generous philanthropy of Global Relay, with a growing number or corporate contributors joining our service to cycling.
Donations
Alongside corporate philanthropy, the fund is supported by the individual generosity of many. Tax-deductible donations are supported through the BC Amateur Sport Fund.
Leah Kirchmann – Alumni, pro cyclist & OLY
Leah is one of Canada’s most accomplished pro cyclists. Twice she stood on the podium at la Course by le Tour de France. In 2017 she was World Champion in the TTT. During her World Tour career she was consistently ranked among the world’s best cyclists. She represented Canada at the 2016 & 2020(1) Olympics. Leah has a Bachelor of Arts & Science in health sciences from Quest University. She’s a passionate foodie, writes for and works with The Cyclist’s Alliance (TCA) to advance equity in professional cycling.
As Managing Director, Leah leads the Fund and manages the relationship with Global Relay.
Ryan Anderson – co-Founder
Ryan recently retired from a 12 year career as one of Canada’s few top-tier professionals. Since turning pro in 2008 he has ridden for such teams as Direct-Energie, Rally Procycling and Team SpiderTech. He competed in some of cycling’s biggest events like the Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix and the Vuelta Espana. He has represented Canada at 5 World championships.
Kevin Field – Chair
Kevin is one of Canada’s most accomplished Sports Directors – having led pro-teams: Symmetrics, Trek Livestrong, Optum-Kelly, Spidertech and Team Canada. He mentored most of the fund directors during their pro careers and led Canada to historic achievements at the World Championships. He is an entrepreneur who’s started five companies, most recently The Feed. He’s the former Head of Strategy for Cycling Canada where he led a two-year project to deliver a plan to transform Canadian cycling.
Andrew Pinfold
Andrew retired from his professional cycling career in 2013. During his 11 year career, he rode for JetFuel, Ital Pasta, Symmetrics, Ouch and UHC Pro Cycling. In 2008 Andrew won the Gastown Grand Prix. Andrew holds a Masters degree in Health Administration and is currently the Initiative Manager for the Vancouver Physician Staff Association. He was the first Managing Director of the Fund from 2013 – 2021, leading the Fund to where it is today.
Svein Tuft – OLY
Svein is one of Canada’s most accomplished pro cyclists with a professional career spanning almost 20 years. He’s won five medals at the UCI Road World Championships and been Canada’s best male finisher at the Olympic Games (Beijing 2008) since Steve Bauer won silver in 1984. He is a 11 time Canadian TT Champion and 2 time Canadian Road Champion. He’s won stages at the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia — where he wore the Maglia Rosa as race leader.
Erinne Willock – OLY
Erinne is a retired professional cyclist. For a decade she was one of Canada’s top female road cyclist’s. She represented Canada at the Beijing Olympics in 2008 and her 7th place finish at the 2009 UCI Road World Championships is one of Canada’s best performance in the road race. She retired from professional cycling in 2011 to become a happy mom, and mentor Canada’s next great cyclists.
Sara Poidevin – Mentoring lead
Sara has a unique connection to BTG, having been involved in the program as a supported athlete, mentee, and mentor. Her journey gives her first-hand insight into the role mentorship plays in supporting developing riders. A respected Canadian professional cyclist, Sara spent 9 years racing professionally, including 2 years in the World Tour with EF Education–Cannondale.
Sheri Jay – Mental Performance Lead
Sheri’s vision brought the mental performance program to BTG 3 years ago. It’s become one of BTG’s most impactful programs. Sheri holds an ACC designation from the ICF, along with credentials in neurotransformational coaching, PrinciplesYou and Lego Serious Play. MP sessions are facilitated both online and at camps.
Will Routley – co-Founder & Director Emeritus
Will founded the Fund with Ryan in 2012. He stepped down from his board position at the end of 2016 when he retired from pro cycling to focus on his new business Healthy Hooch Kambucha that he runs with his wife Shani. During his career, he won the Canadian Road Championships, raced 3 seasons in Europe at the top-tier, and won a stage at the Tour of California.
Brian Storey – PHD, OLY
Emeritus advisor – Youth Cycling & Fund Strategy. Brian is a PHD Educator, former CEO & President of PHE Canada. Brian helped launch the Fund’s Youth Initiatives with Andrew. He continues to advise from time to time on Fund strategy.
Questions? Contact Us.