CUSTOMIZED COACHING

LEARN FROM THE BEST

Katrina Strand

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.  

JP Fok

JP moved to Whistler in 2011 after completing an HKin degree at UBC.  He was a snowboard coach and competitor in both Slopestyle and SBX, discovering mountain biking shortly after his move to the area. JP worked as a strength and conditioning coach for 6 years before transitioning full time to coaching snowboarding in the winters and mountain biking in the summers. Since then, his experience has had him coaching all levels from absolute beginners to the highest of elite levels on snow, bike, and in the gym. JP is always looking to progress his riding and coaching and brings %110 effort to both everyday. 

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.  

Claire Buchar

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.

Trish Bromley

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 Kovarik

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.

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!

Stacey Oviatt

Born and raised in Northern BC, Stacey has recently relocated to Whistler. Utilizing her 15 years of competitive equestrian riding and yoga teaching experience, she is very articulate with her instructional techniques, and is dialled into the benefits that correct position and balance will provide for riders of all levels. Her passion for the sport is demonstrated through her desire to motivate more mountain bikers to ride and progress their skills. Stacey believes the confidence we gain on the bike directly translates to other areas of our lives and is excited to be a part of your journey.

Mike Caron

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!

Julia Long

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.  

Lara Bohr

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. 

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!