The second annual Canadian Cycling Hall of Fame induction ceremony and luncheon was held with tremendous success over the weekend of October 1st and 2nd.
The 2016 class of Hall of Fame inductees included Gord Fraser, Louise Lalonde, Marie-Hélène Prémont, Alex Stieda, Brian Walton and Canada’s 1908 Men’s Team Pursuit squad.
The ceremonies began on Saturday, October 1st, with the official unveiling of the plaques at the permanent home of the Hall in the Mattamy National Cycling Centre, prior to the start of the final session of racing at the Milton International Challenge. Afterward, inductees joined Cycling Canada supporters and sponsors at a VIP cocktail event on the infield of the velodrome while watching the competition.
On Sunday morning, three of the inductees – Gord Fraser, Alex Stieda and Brian Walton – joined approximately 100 members of the cycling community for the first annual Ride with Legends presented by Lexus, a fully supported ride through the beautiful Halton Hills region. 2015 inductees Steve Bauer, Curt Harnett and Gordon Singleton were also on the ride, along with Rio Olympians Hugo Barrette, Kirsti Lay and Kate O’Brien.
Following the ride, the Canadian Cycling Hall of Fame induction luncheon honoured the inductees with presentations highlighting their accomplishments, as well as crystal awards as keepsakes. Each of the recipients present spoke about their careers, including acknowledgements of the individuals and organizations that made their accomplishments possible. A moving tribute to 2015 inductee Jocelyn Lovell, who passed away earlier this year, was also held.
John Tolkamp, President of Cycling Canada, stated, “We believe it is important to honour the individuals who are instrumental in building our sport, and there is no better way to recognize them than through this induction into the Hall of Fame. This year’s inductees are special in that they continue be involved and give back to the sport, and remain exemplary role models.”
Alex Stieda was the first North American to wear the Tour de France Yellow Jersey on the second day of the 1986 Tour de France. He went on to wear five jerseys in total that year including the polka dot as best climber, white as best rookie, red for intermediate points, and the combination. After losing the yellow, Alex held the polka dot jersey for an additional five days over the hills of northern France. At the 1982 Commonwealth Games in Brisbane, he won a bronze medal in the individual pursuit and claimed the same result at the 1983 Universiade.
For more information on the 2016 Canadian Cycling Hall of Fame inductees, click here.
