Portrait of a Warrior: Our Ambassador Pushing the Limits of Gravel

At Cycles Dupuis, we’re fortunate to support cycling enthusiasts who constantly push their own limits. But some journeys leave a deeper impression than others. That’s the case with David Lutzy—a client turned ambassador—who inspires us every day with his determination, humility, and unwavering love for the sport.

From Childhood Passion to International Competition

From a young age, David was already taking bikes apart, fixing them, and putting them back together. He began racing in 1986 with the Montréal-Nord and Espoirs Laval clubs. He rode, raced, worked in a bike shop to fuel his passion, and competed in track events at the Montreal velodrome. After a long break, he made his comeback to cycling in the fall of 2020... and never looked back.

A Sporting Rebirth

It was in December 2020 that David first walked through the doors of our shop. That day, he left with more than just a new saddle—he launched a new phase in his cycling journey. A few weeks later, he ordered his Factor road bike and fully committed to racing again.

By 2023, he was making waves:

• 9th at the Quebec Provincial Championships

• 12th at the Canadian National Championships

• 4th at the Défi des 21

• 9th at the Green Mountain Stage Race

But this rebirth takes on a whole new meaning when you know what’s happening behind the scenes.

A Warrior in the Shadows: Riding with 50% Vision

For over 20 years, David has lived with the effects of a rare infection—histoplasmosis. This disease attacks the retina, causing loss of central vision and depth perception. Over the years, he’s undergone numerous procedures: laser surgeries, transplants, retinal detachments, and cataract operations. In 2024, he lost nearly all vision in his left eye. His right eye is also compromised by corneal dystrophy.

And yet… he rides. He races. He performs.

Thanks to the indispensable presence of Yannick, his guide and road partner, he competes in legendary events like Unbound Gravel 200, a grueling 320 km race across the unforgiving terrain of Kansas. As David puts it: “None of this would be possible without Yannick.”

A Custom Bike for a Superhuman Mission

To take on the challenges ahead, a standard bike simply wouldn’t cut it. David needed a precision-built war machine—a frame that’s responsive, agile, high-performing, and equipped with a rare feature for gravel bikes: a 2x drivetrain.

Enter his custom-built Trek Checkmate, designed with the expertise of Max and the entire Cycles Dupuis team. Every component was handpicked. Every adjustment, dialed in to the millimeter. Every detail counts when your bike needs to match your ambition.

A High-Powered 2025–2026 Season

Here’s a glimpse at David’s packed calendar for the next two years:

• Training camp in Mallorca – March 2025

• Unbound Gravel 200 – May 31, 2025

• Green Mountain Stage Race, Quebec Provincial Road Championship, La Gravelle du Parc, Fondo Mégantic, and more

• In 2026: The Traka in Spain, followed by the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships in Japan

Backed by a Community

Behind every pedal stroke is a powerful network of partners that help make this journey possible: Shimano, Trek, HLC, Chamois Butt’r, Outdoor Gear Canada, Mint'n Dry, Ceramicspeed, DT Swiss, Wahoo, FSA, Favero, Schwalbe... and of course, Cycles Dupuis, proud to support such a deeply human and athletic adventure.

More Than Just a Cyclist

David Lutzy isn’t just a rider. He’s a symbol of resilience. A true ambassador of pushing boundaries. A powerful reminder that passion can overcome almost anything.

We are honored to be part of his story—and now more than ever, we believe that cycling has the power to change lives.