Pier-André Côté will step up from the IPT Academy team to IPT’s ProTeam in 2025 on a two-year contract as the sixth Canadian rider on the team next year.
“As soon as I joined the IPT Academy team for this season, I immediately felt at home,” he says. “It has been quite incredible really. The whole set-up is so professional, and I told myself that I simply could not miss this opportunity. I had to make sure it would happen and I’m super excited to be joining the IPT ProTeam next year!”
After securing fifth place on the General Classification at CRO Race at the weekend, Côté proved yet again that he deserves a place in the ProTeam, says IPT General Manager Kjell Carlström.
“Pier-André has been an exceptional teammate all season and has stepped up to the ProTeam from the Academy on many occasions,” adds Carlström. “His result at CRO Race was just another example of Pier-André stepping up and making the most of an opportunity given to him. There will be many more opportunities to come in the next two years and I have no doubt Pier-André will excel in our ProTeam.”
Prior to CRO Race, the 27-year-old Canadian had multiple chances to show his abilities with the IPT Pro Team this season and he has done so producing several strong performances, including his 10th place overall in Baloise Belgium Tour and his fifth place in Druivenkoers – Overijse.
“The racing this year has been great,” Côté adds. “I have done a good amount with the pros and it’s so motivating to be working towards a victory or a team performance with such great athletes. To be surrounded with top level and all-around great guys is empowering and it has allowed me to get the best out of myself.”
At the Canadian Road Race Championships this year, Côté started out winning the time trial with a near two-minute margin before going on to help teammate Michael Woods win the road race, while taking second place himself. Now, he’s looking forward to developing as a rider and finding place within the team.
“I have been surprising myself in all sorts of terrain lately, so I’m hoping I can keep going down this road and just become a better allrounder,” he says. “I’m hoping I can bring my versatility into the classics and find success there.
“As far as a main goal for the next years is concerned, if I had to narrow it down to just the one, I would like to keep heading towards becoming the best bike racer I can possibly be. I’m confident this team has everything I could ever hope for to reach this goal. In a more specific manner, I would love to have an impact on a top performance in a big Classic and start my first Grand Tour.”
IPT team owner, Sylvan Adams, is delighted to see Côté join the team’s pro ranks. Adams says: “It gives me great satisfaction to have promoted Pier-André to IPT, after a productive year in our Continental development team, IPT Academy. All the more-so since PAC’s original team, Human Powered Health, discontinued their men’s program late in 2023, potentially leaving him without a ride in 2024. Pier-André is yet another worthy and valuable rider given a second chance at IPT, a legacy and reputation that gives me great pride. Welcome to the show, Pier-André, looking forward to exciting things from you in 2025!”
