April 1/23 4:11 am - Cycling Canada Unveils Bikey the Beaver

Posted by Editoress on 04/1/23
 

Last Fall, the French cycling federation (FFC) unveiled their new mascot at the Mountain Bike World Championships in Les Gets, France. It sparked an idea for the Canadian federation to introduce their own mascot, which has led to the development of Bikey the Beaver, a bike-riding beaver.

France's mascot

"We were looking for a way to generate some interest in the sport for youth," explains Josh Peacock, the Director of Marketing for Cycling Canada, "and a mascot is a terrific way to do it."

Peacock says that a number of iconic Canadian animals were considered, including the polar bear ('Poley'), moose ('Freddy'), loon ('Loony') and black fly ('Blackie'). However, the beaver was the overwhelming favourite among the focus groups conducted.

"What's more Canadian than the beaver?", points out Peacock.

He does admit that they are still working on how to get the beaver riding a bike properly.

"The tail gets in the way," he admits.

Expect to see Bikey at national championships later this year, and he will be added to the Federation logo.

If you are interested in being Bikey at upcoming events, Cycling Canada is about to begin auditions. You can indicate your interest by emailing them at general(at)cyclingcanada.ca and including 'Bikey the Beaver Auditions' as the subject line.