Eric Johnstone

Biography

Eric Johnstone is a newcomer to the senior international scene, but he has enjoyed success as a junior, winning silver in the individual pursuit at the 2013 Junior Pan American Championships. He has made two appearances at the UCI World Junior Track Championships in 2012 and 2013, highlighted by his eighth place finish in the multi-discipline omnium in 2013. Johnstone says that competing for Team Canada is a natural progression, something he expected of himself. Johnstone is a member of Cycling Canada’s NextGen Track Endurance program. Similar to programs already in use by track cycling powerhouses Australia and Great Britain, the goal is to create a men’s endurance program that will be ready to compete for medals at the 2020 Olympic Games.

PERSONAL

Family: Parents Mark Johnstone and Lyne Nadeau… Sisters Emily and Stephanie… Getting into the Sport: Started cycling at age 15… Was a competitive gymnast for seven years but needed more flexibility and harder moves and was tired of working at it… Began getting into trouble at school because he didn’t have an outlet for his extra energy… His principal suggested trying speed skating or cycling… Outside Interests: Enjoys cooking, skiing, hiking, relaxing… Completed one semester of university before deciding to focus on cycling… Odds and Ends: Favourite motto: “It’s part of the game”… Tries to stay relaxed and upbeat on race day to help the other guys keep focused… Always travels with a power bar, HDMI cord, a tea pot, aeropress, and one outfit he looks really good in… Nickname: Rocky, Eric Dawg…

NOTABLE INTERNATIONAL RESULTS

UCI WCh (track, junior): 2013 – 8^th (omnium); 2012 – 7^th (sprint), 9^th (points), 15^th (sprint), 21^st (keirin)

PAC (junior): 2013 – SILVER (ind pursuit); 2012 – 14^th (time trial), 13^th (ind pursuit)