Remembering Mark Brusso… Racer, Champion, Teammate, Inspiration

In the summer of 2026 we tragically lost one of our veteran racers and longstanding club members.

For many in our club and extended cycling community, Mark was a friend, a Teammate, and an inspiration.

Mark was a foundational member of the LDCC's Race Team and hands down one of our most respected and admired racers in Ontario. A devastatingly powerful rider with countless wins and provincial championships, off the bike he was a gentle and caring individual who truly embodied all of the positive traits of a true ambassador of our club, sport and community. In my many years running the club and at the same time also being a sponsor via Duke's Cycle and later GEARS, he was everything I could ask for in a representative of our brands and sponsors.

Mark was also more than an accomplished cyclist and racer. He was born a "farm-boy" and took great pride in his humble roots. Many of you have perhaps been told of his "slow-tractor" race... very likely the only race he ever won by being the slowest of the group. Despite many years living in Toronto, he loved his return to the rural life. He had a fondness for birds and enjoyed to work with his hands creating some lovely woodwork and exquisite turned bowls... both complex and yet simple and elegant. His workshop and collection of tools was the envy of many... and yes, he knew how to use them. He was the only person I know, whom we actually allowed to purchase professional and proprietary tools to keep his ever-growing fleets of bicycles in race-ready condition.

Beyond all of this, his generosity and grace was exemplary. He was always willing to lend a helping hand. (mention the screen door). When asked, he would always offer advice to fellow club members and younger riders. This was always done with the utmost respect and was never unsolicited or derogatory. He wanted people to excel and succeed.

We will also never forget his sense of humour and playfulness. Yeah... he was not always the hyper-focused racer. He loved a good laugh and often knew just the right thing to say to help break the tension before the start of a race. I'll never forget being at the start-line with him when a fellow racer shouted over,... "hey Brusso... what tire pressure you running?" To which Mark quickly replied... "the right pressure" said with a sly grin. To me, this showed off two endearing qualities... his quick wit... and his utmost confidence in being totally prepared for what was about to be unleashed.

This is a most difficult time for many of us who knew him.

We remember his smile, his passion, his incredible dedication to constantly improving his performance on the bike, his meticulous attention to details, his fondness of good coffee and fast bikes.

Rest in Peace Mark. Love you.

Michael Cranwell (LDCC President Emeritus)

Memorial to Mark

In 2027 we will be commemorating and remembering Mark with a very special addition to our jerseys. This icon draws inspiration from Mark’s love of birds and in particular his fondness for the Red-winged Blackbird. “Redwing” was also the name of his small woodworking business… another passion in which he excelled.

There are also other plans in the works for a memorial ride / event in the 2027 season.