CUSTOMIZED COACHING
LEARN FROM LEADING PROFESSIONALS

Katrina comes from a highly educated and experienced background coaching riders of all levels and abilities since 2002.  She spent over a decade racing and riding as a professional mountain bike athlete competing on the international stage at World Cup DH, World Championships DH, EWS and many multi stage events such as the BC Bike Race and Trans-Provence.  During this time, she always set aside time to build up other riders and athletes.  Katrina is all about collaboration, connection and building strong resilient minds and bodies on and off the bike.  

Mike Sousa

Mike has been immersed in the mountain bike industry for over 10 years.  More recently, he has leaned into the coaching world and developed a fascination and passion in welcoming others to mountain biking as well as assisting riders to reach their ultimate potential.  In working with clients of all abilities, he has successfully coached through hurdles such as potent fears, injury history or phobias all while building essential skills.  He often uses breathwork, mindfulness and therapeutic techniques that build trust and commitment.  Mike offers a truly competitive coaching experience that is unique and powerful in taking clients to discover extraordinary new abilities!

Laurie Citynski

Laurie was born and raised in East Vancouver and grew up playing multiple team sports. In 2011 after damaging her knees playing soccer, she turned to cycling for rehab. The new friends she met enjoyed racing, which led her to compete in over 30 downhill races including racing at the World Cup in Mont Sainte-Anne as an elite and winning a BC Provincial and a Canadian National title. 

With a BSc in Kinesiology/Psychology from UBC and years of experience training athletes in the gym, Laurie has a keen eye and appreciation for body position and movement efficiency on the bike.

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Laurie has travelled all across North America coaching all levels and all ages. There is always something to learn or refine and she is so excited to help you have more fun riding with your new-found skills!

Claire Buchar is known for her dedication to the sport of mountain biking, having spent most of her competitive career as a privateer. She is a talented rider with a lot of heart. As a 12 time Canadian National Team Member, World Championships Bronze Medalist, Multiple Canadian National Champion, Media Regular and Certified Coach, Claire is a globally respected athlete in the industry and a true ambassador of mountain biking.

As an athlete, coach, and community builder, Trish is one part competitor, one part cheerleader, two parts safety police, and probably your biggest fan. Too many parts? Math isn’t her strong suit, but she knows that you plus two wheels is bound to add up to a good time. From competing in the Pro Men’s division, to teaching three-year-olds to balance and roll, she is determined to eliminate barriers and invite participation in all levels of cycling.

Chris has been a strong figure and personality in the mountain bike world since he first burst onto the World Cup racing scene in '98.  Under his belt, he holds several national, international and World Cup wins as well as track records, winning margin records and countless podium appearances at all levels of the sport.  His agressove riding style make him a favourite with the m media and his skills are owed to his natural ability and years of dedication and experience.

Candace Shadley

Candace brings twenty years of experience as the founder and director of North America’s original mountain bike camp series, professional coaching and instructing certifications in four different sports, and the belief that every client is the most important one. She also holds a BA in international relations, seasons of dedication to university athletics and provincial sports governance, and so much appreciation for the opportunity to now focus on championing the many friends, businesses and sponsors who have supported her for so long.

Born in Germany, Lara finished her engineering degree and decided to go and explore Canada for a few months.  It didn't take long before she fell in love with mountain life, and particularly mountain biking. Now, Whistler is her home.  Having a mountain bike coach by her side during her own progression made her realize how much of a difference it can make and so she took the necessary steps to become a bike instructor herself.  Lara is driven by being a part of others progression and seeing them getting stoked on her passion. 

Mike is often described as a ‘natural’ on his bike and in his coaching approach.  He has been riding for over 25 years, with a competitive history that includes Coupe Quebec DH Champion and Canadian National Championship bronze medallist.  With over 10 years of coaching experience with some of the most notorious mountain bike coaching and guiding companies, Mike’s passion and expertise for coaching now supports riders from around the world.  

An insiders tip to Mike – he is also a private chef and has worked in some of the most respected fine dining restaurant.  Which could come in handy after a big day on the bike!

Born and raised in Whistler, Julia first started mountain biking when most were learning to walk.  She fell in love with the sport from being apart of Whistler Secondary MTB team, where she was coached and mentored by Katrina Strand. She started racing cross country in her junior years but found the technical aspect of riding her forte, so she made the switch to competing in Enduro.  Currently, Julia is competing on the world stage in Enduro as well as completing her BSc in Kinesiology/Psychology to have a greater understanding in human performance and health with a long term goal of helping athletes in the future.  Through coaching, Julia has a strong drive to inspire and motivate others to conquer their barriers and find a love for riding.  

Meredith Eades

From a small town in Quebec, Meredith moved to BC 16 years ago for the skiing but stayed for the mountain biking.  After competing on the Freeskiing Tour, her competition experience transitioned into a coaching role, both on skis and bikes.  As a level 2 certified ski and bike instructor, she now coaches for the Whistler Freeride Club and for her own camp 'Rippin Chix', in the winter.  In the summer she coaches for a handful of companies as well as providing her own customized experiences here.  

Pascale Vaiani

Born and raised in Switzerland, Pascale moved to Whistler in 1999 to ski. In 2002, she went for her first ride in the bike park and was hooked! 

Over the years, she travelled throughout North America and Europe to ride, and the various destinations and terrains challenged her both mentally and physically. This, along with the camaraderie, is what makes mountain biking such an amazing sport for Pascale.  She has found great pleasure assisting others through this journey through mountain bike coaching.

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Her passion for mountain biking and the outdoors eventually pulled her away from a long career as a pastry chef. However, as Pascale will say "There are many parallels between making a memorable dessert and coaching. You need to create the right environment with just the right amount of ingredients to produce a wonderful experience that will keep you back for more!"

Jaxon

Meet Jaxon, the DEO (Dog Executive Officer) of Strand Training.  He came to live in Whistler after being saved from a less than ideal situation  where he now thrives in his elements.  Jaxon loves to adventure on the trails, swim, tear apart the biggest sticks in the forest, wrestle with this little human sister Anna and lean in for a good cuddle.  Jaxon loves mountain biking, and although he is known to take some pretty extreme lines, he has no ego and actually loves to go last to make sure all is in check!

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Want to join our team?  This could be you!  Reach out if you're interested!