Michael Foley

Biography

Michael Foley has been a key contributor to Canada’s rise in the men’s team pursuit. A career highlight came at the 2019 UCI Track World Championships where the team exceeded expectations by racing for the bronze medal against an experienced Danish squad, ultimately finishing fourth overall. In his Olympic debut at Tokyo 2020, Foley was a member of the men’s team pursuit that finished fifth for Canada’s best Olympic result in the event since 1932. He also raced with teammate Derek Gee in the Madison. 

In December 2017, he stood on his first World Cup podium as the team pursuit won silver in Milton. In April 2018, Foley competed in track and road cycling at the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia, winning bronze in the team pursuit. In November 2018, he stood on another World Cup podium, winning team pursuit bronze in Berlin. 

Foley earned his first national titles in 2018, taking gold in the team pursuit and Madison (alongside Derek Gee), while recording second-place finishes in the points race, individual pursuit and omnium. He repeated as national champion in both events in 2019. 

At the 2019 Pan American Championships, Foley won two gold medals, in the team pursuit and points race.

A Little More About Michael 

Getting into the Sport: Started cycling at the velodrome in Milton when it opened in 2015 and began competing a few weeks later; had been mountain biking and road cycling for several years prior… Competed in sailing before cycling; says that when he fell behind in a sailing race he didn’t have the tools or know-how to catch up, but cycling is as much a battle of attrition as strength, which suits his competitive personality… Odds and Ends: Biggest inspiration was his first coach, Steve Bauer, who nurtured his love for cycling by emphasizing fun in training and competition…