Interview with Greg Lanctot: Cycling as the answer to everything

Greg Lanctot, the passionate entrepreneur behind Traffic Café, is a well-known figure in the Montreal community. While he has always had sports in his blood, it is on two wheels that he now finds his balance.

For him, cycling is much more than just physical activity: it’s a blend of discipline, camaraderie, and discovery. We spoke with him about his journey and what keeps him passionate about the sport.

Q: Greg, what’s your first memory related to cycling, and how has that passion evolved?
Greg: I have very clear memories of my childhood summers: I used to draw little race courses around the house and head out alone to explore the bike paths. Even back when I was playing football, my coaches noticed that I was riding my bike a lot.
Like many people, I gradually drifted away from the sport as an adult, but I’m really happy I reconnected with it during the pandemic. I eventually put aside other athletic goals to focus mainly on our shared passion.

Q: Was there a specific moment when you thought, “OK, now I’m hooked”?
Greg: It was during the pandemic, on my first real ride as an adult. I remember riding at the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, doing several hard accelerations, and feeling exactly the same adrenaline rush I used to get from my old competitive sports. That’s when it clicked.

Q: You went from bodybuilding and CrossFit to cycling. Was that a natural transition or just a phase?
Greg: It’s the classic chicken-or-the-egg question: are people my age getting more into cycling, or has the sport simply become more popular and cooler for my generation? Either way, I don’t think a sport like cycling can really be a passing passion, especially considering all the benefits it brings.
Name another sport that lets you spend time with friends, travel, see new places, stay fit without impact, improve over the long term, and—most importantly—earn your post-ride beer. The benefits are simply huge.
In five years, I hope cycling will occupy the same place—or an even bigger one—in my life, and that I’ll be able to share my experiences with the people around me.

Q: At 40, how do you view competition compared to when you were 21?
Greg: Today, I focus on my personal performance rather than on others’. If I give my best while respecting my reality and my goals, I’m never disappointed. I’m also much more willing to listen to advice from experts. I invest in my sport with the same passion as before, but without the negativity or disappointment. It’s truly the best of both worlds.

Q: What first brought you to Cycles Dupuis?
Greg: I absolutely wanted a Cervélo! My friend Georges Laraque is a loyal customer and spoke very highly of the shop. Since then, I’ve found a real cycling family there. Everyone I refer to the shop always comes away impressed by the service and the strength of the community.

Q: As a coffee entrepreneur, how do you experience the “coffee ride” ritual?
Greg: It’s the perfect combination of two passions for an ideal weekend. Coffee and cycling both bring people together. And between us, that post-ride cookie with coffee becomes more of a “fuel” than a treat, right?

Q: Looking back, what beginner mistake makes you smile today?
Greg: Buying a bike that doesn’t match your specific needs! You shouldn’t think you know better than the experts or choose a bike just because it looks good. It’s like choosing a bottle of wine just for the label—you might end up being very poorly served.

Q: What are your goals for the 2026 season?
Greg: I’d like to ride 6,000 km while having fun. I’m also looking forward to my first big group rides with Cycles Dupuis and Messorem, trying long-distance gravel rides, and beating my personal record at the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve.

Q: One last word for someone who’s hesitant to seriously get into cycling?
Greg: Cycling is very likely the answer to everything you’re looking for from a sporting perspective. Let yourself be guided—and enjoy the ride!