Ambassador Projects at OCTTO

One of OCTTO's mandates is to support the development of local cyclosport. 

To this end, we are proud to sponsor a variety of efforts (i.e. teams, individuals, races, events) across all variety of disciplines (including road, track, 'cross, tri', MTB, ultra-endurance).

A benefit of working with local riders is we get to interact more directly and easily.  We receive continuous near-real-time feedback about our products.  Often, we will get a phone-call on a Sunday afternoon immediately after the race with comments and suggestions for improvements.  Other times, we have the opportunity to sit down for a coffee or beer and take a more holistic approach to problem-solving.

2010 Jet Fuel Coffee Cycling Team

Sponsored by OCTTO since 2007, the Jet Fuel Coffee shop based in downtown-Toronto has been running a developmental road-racing team since oh about 1997 (citation needed). 

Graduates of the Jet-Fuel Coffee cycling programme have gone on to win several Canadian National Championships, including Andrew Randall (Senior Champion), Dominique Rollin (U23 Champion) and Daniele deFranceschi (2007 Track Omnium Champion). 

Other prominent alumni of Jet Fuel include: Peter Morse, Joe Giuliano, Heath Cockburn, and many more.

Jet Fuel's riders provide continuous real-world feedback and testing of OCTTO components.

2009 True North Cyclocross races

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Dr. Octto (left) and Mr. Hugh Black (right), collaborating on frame-design back in 2002.
True North Cycles in Guelph, Ontario, Canada is the choice custom framebuilder between Toronto and Windsor and regions beyond.  Master artisan Hugh Black specializes in custom steel and Ti frames.

In September of 2009, True North hosted the back-to-back same-day events: the officially sanctioned True North Cross race in the morning and the performance-art National Singlespeed Cyclocross race in the evening.

Participants in both events were entered in a draw that rewarded participation.  The grand-prize winner was awarded a custom True North frame adorned with OCTTO Components.  A true collaboration of the best of local Ontario brands.

2009 Team Peter Oyler - RAAM

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Toronto ultra-endurance athlete Peter Oyler competed in the 2009 Race Across America (RAAM), while fundraising in support of Kids Help Phone.  Peter rode RAAM 2009 on OCTTO components.

Every year since 1982, RAAM crosses the Continental U.S.A from Pacific Ocean to Atlantic Ocean.  The distance is 30% longer than the Tour de France but racers finish in half the time with no rest days.  RAAM 2009 starts on June 17 (close to the summer solstice to provide competitors the maximum daylight hours).

Peter completed his first RAAM in 2007 covering 5,069km between Oceanside, California and Atlantic City, New Jersey in 11 days, 4 hours, riding about 22 hours/day.  He finished in 8th overall in that rookie attempt.  With the benefit of experience and a stronger support crew, OCTTO believes Team Oyler has a good shot at winning in 2009.  Peter has, among other races, completed 13 Ironman triathlons. 

Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868) is Canada's only national phone and web counselling and information service for children and youth.  Kids Help Phone is:  Bilingual | Toll-free | Open 24/7 | Confidential and anonymous | Staffed by professional counsellors

2008 The Dynamic Duo - Natasha Elliott + Derrick St John


OCTTO sponsored Ottawa's self-proclaimed Dynamic Duo for 2008~2009 cyclocross season.  The highlight of the season was Derrick's bronze medal at the Canadian National Championships in Edmonton.

The Dynamic Duo is comprised of the his-and-hers pairing of Natasha Elliot (at left) and Derrick St. John (at below left), competing in respectively the Elite Women and Men's categories.

They lightened their 'cross bikes with OCTTO Professional components: full-carbon handlebars and seatposts, 3D-forged stems and of course, colour coordinated gel handlebar-tape.

Derrick was a member of the Jet Fuel Coffee Cycling Team and podium'd at the 2008 Canadian National Road Cycling Championships.

For cyclocross season, Jet Fuel graciously released Derrick so he could race with Natasha's Stevens Bikes Ottawa-based team.

Their 2008/2009 cyclocross racing schedule had 2 parts. 

In September/Octtober/November, they were at UCI races throughout Canada and the U.S.A, including the Canadian National Championships in Edmonton on Octtober 11-12th.

A highlight of there season was Derrick's bronze-medal at the Canadian National Championships.

Then, December and January they were racing in the old-country, throughout Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, France and Luxembourg.  The highlights were several stops at several World Cups and the World Cyclocross Championships in Hoogerheide, Netherlands on February-1.

2008 Ontario Provincial Cyclocross Championships

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The 2008 Ontario Provincial Cyclocross Championships was held in Riverdale Park in downtown Toronto on November 23rd, 2008. Details here (PDF download).

It was a rounding success, a full wrap-up is available here.

2008 Tour for Kids

The epic Tour for Kids cycling adventure raises funds to bring joy to thousands of children caught in the fight against cancer.

The 4-day fully-supported tour travels 800km over the scenic country roads of Ontario’s serene cottage regions: Muskoka, Haliburton, the Kawarthas and farm country, starting and ending in Missisauga near Toronto.