Winning a cycling championship extends beyond the finish line; it's a year-long celebration. Riders who achieve national, regional, or world titles are not only honored with a distinguished jersey but also receive a full range of custom gear, often including a race bike with a unique paint scheme. This tradition transforms their victory into a continuous source of inspiration, showcasing their identity and achievements on every ride.
Alison Jackson, the reigning Canadian national champion, stands out in the peloton, proudly displaying the red maple leaf bands that signify her status. She expresses immense pride in wearing her national champion jersey, a symbol of her heritage and dedication to cycling. This season, although Jackson transitioned to a new team, her partnership with bike manufacturer Cannondale remained strong. Together, they revealed her specially designed SuperSix Evo, which features a maple leaf motif that beautifully encapsulates her origins, her racing spirit, and her unique riding style.
Jackson's move to UCI Women’s ProTeam St Michel–Préférence Home–Auber93 followed the non-renewal of her contract with EF Education–Oatly. This transition, partly facilitated by Cannondale, provided her not only with an opportunity to continue her career but also to assume a leadership role within the team. She sees this as a chance for significant personal and professional growth, leveraging her experience to help shape the team's future.
Despite her leadership responsibilities, Jackson's personal ambitions remain undiminished. The 37-year-old cyclist is far from considering retirement, viewing it as an unacceptable option. She firmly believes that a single team's decision to not renew her contract does not mark the end of her career. Her passion for racing and the thrill of competition continue to drive her. Jackson remains confident in her ability to win and embraces the dynamic, often unpredictable nature of the sport.
For the upcoming 2026 season, Jackson has set ambitious goals. She aims to reclaim her Paris-Roubaix title, secure a coveted victory at the Tour of Flanders, and achieve stage wins at prestigious events like the Tour de France Femmes or the Giro Donne. Furthermore, she plans to defend her Canadian national title and assist her national team in retaining Magdeleine Vallieres’s rainbow jersey. These objectives demonstrate her unwavering commitment to excellence. She will pursue these goals aboard the newly launched fifth-generation Cannondale SuperSix Evo LAB71, a bike designed to meet the demands of elite-level competition.
Alison Jackson's custom SuperSix Evo LAB71 is a testament to her Canadian roots and her journey as a champion. The bike features a striking white-to-red gradient, with subtle maple leaf patterns on the front that become more pronounced towards the rear. Cannondale's branding is prominently displayed on the downtube, and the 'LAB71' mark on the seat tube denotes its high-performance specifications. A personal mantra, "Don't think just dance," inscribed on the top tube, serves as a constant reminder of her victorious approach, notably her 2023 Paris-Roubaix win. Though currently equipped with 30mm tires, the SuperSix Evo offers ample clearance for up to 32mm, or even 34mm, tires, ensuring adaptability for demanding cobblestone races.
The SuperSix Evo LAB71, as highlighted by Cycling Weekly's tech writer Aaron Borrill, represents a refined evolution rather than a complete overhaul of its predecessor. While maintaining a familiar aesthetic, it incorporates crucial enhancements that improve ride quality. It boasts a lighter and faster design, making it Cannondale's lightest disc-brake road bike to date. Key upgrades include a redesigned front end with an integrated cockpit, UDH compatibility, and exclusive support for electronic groupsets. This innovative design ensures that Jackson's equipment is at the forefront of cycling technology, aiding her in her pursuit of continued success.