October 04, 2016 (Milton and Burlington, ON) – The who’s who of cycling in Canada gathered at the Mattamy National Cycling Centre for some superb racing and the 2nd annual Cycling Canada Hall of Fame inductions which included a plaque unveiling on Oct. 1 followed by the Ride with Legends p/b Lexus and fabulous luncheon induction ceremony on Oct. 2.

The honoured class of 2016 Hall of Fame inductees entering the Hall of Fame included Alex Stieda, Gord Fraser, Marie-Hélène Prémont, and Brian Walton in the Athlete category, Louise Lalonde in the Builder category, and Canada’s 1908 Men’s Team Pursuit squad as Earlier Era Athletes – read more about the 2016 inductees here.

The official plaque unveiling was held on Saturday, Oct. 1 during a break in the action at the Milton International Challenge. Fraser, Lalonde, Stieda and Walton were all smiles as cameras flashed when they pulled back the banner to display their legacy to the sport. The inductees joined guests and supporters for a VIP cocktail on the velodrome infield as the final session of racing began.

We were stoked to see a very proud Joan Fraser (Gord’s Mom) in the crowd who remarked that she’s “still getting Pedal Magazine” and also shared some of Gord’s xc skiing past.

The weather gods ended up smiling on Sunday morning as sunshine greeted 100 fans who converged at the Crosswinds Golf & Country Club in Burlington for the inaugural Ride with Legends p/b Lexus event despite an early morning drizzle that didn’t keep the golfers away either.

Cycling stars from across Canada suited up to join new inductees Fraser, Stieda and Walton including such luminaries as Steve Bauer, Curt Harnett, Gord Singlton along with Rio Olympic trackies Kirsti Lay, Kate O’Brien and Hugo Barrette. We got to see Lay’s Team Pursuit bronze medal from Rio up close a bit later.

Harnett held court giving everyone the lay of land as riders took on 50km or 70km routes while rubbing shoulders with the stars and then it was time to go for a superb fall morning jaunt through the region’s fabulous trails with Lexus support vehicles on hand.

Under bright sunshine we passed a few golfers as the group headed out and we stretched out legs amidst the banter enjoying a near perfect day on the bike. However, near the end, Mother Nature reminded us of who’s really in charge as the clouds darkened and a downpour spared no one.

After a quick shower guests were soon clinking glasses and sharing stories new and old. As we all took our seats MC Randy Ferguson got things underway as the proceedings began with a touching tribute to Jocelyn Lovell, a 2015 inductee and legendary Canadian star during the 70s and 80s, who passed away earlier this year – read more here.

Each of the inductees then took the stage to standing ovations and regaled guests with stories of their past and the many people who helped them achieve their goals and dreams along the way. The biggest laugh went to Lalonde, who began her esteemed career as a commissaire following her first bike race. “It was amazing to see so many men’s legs – I knew I had to come back,” she quipped.

The day ended with closing comments by Cycling Canada President, John Tolkamp, who congratulated the inductees and remarked that “the Hall of Fame is an important part of honouring contributors to the sport in Canada.” Then it was time for photo opps with the inductees and their crystal awards along with farewells until next time.