October 6, 2003 (Hamilton, ON) – For cycling enthusiasts, last night's opening ceremonies kicked-off what may be the most memorable week of cycling in Canada; the Hamilton 2003 Road World Cycling Championships.

The event has returned to North American for the third time ever, bringing with it the prestige of world-class riders and the honour of wearing the rainbow jersey.

For many, last night's ceremonies singled the beginning of a dream come true. Over 2,000 volunteers and hard-working individuals have been working together to make the Hamilton 2003 Road Worlds a reality.

Last night's ceremonies honoured many of Canada's cycling legends including Alex Steida, Gord Singleton, Cindy Devine, Tanya Dubincoff, Curt Harnett, Lori-Ann Muenzer, Linda Jackson, Ron Hayman, Brian Walton, Sylvia Burke and Steve Bauer.

It's not very often that you find so many of Canada's celebrated cyclists in one location; all were flown out for the occasion. Backstage the riders were reunited with old teammates and friends, and were given some time to catch up. Later in the evening they were introduced to a crowd of thousands.

Also honoured during the ceremonies were the 2,000+ volunteers that have donated their time to make the Worlds a success.

Later on in the evening, a show was provided by a variety of entertainers. Some of the highlights included performances by Sass Jordan, the Jeff Healey Band and recent Canadian Idol winner, Ryan Malcolm. The surprise performance of the evening was the last minute addition of Tom Cochrane to the roster of celebrities performing for the occasion.

Other local entertainers provided the opening acts including the Dave Murphy Band, the Hamilton Police Pipe Band, the Schiehallion Dancers, soloist Victoria Boland, The Balkan Strings and Multicultural Dancers, Cirque Eloize, The Hamilton All-Star Jazz Band, Neil Wadhvana, Andrea Henry, and a Native Welcome with the Kanata Dancers.

Events get started on Tuesday with the junior women's individual time trial (ITT) in the morning and the espoirs men's event in the afternoon. Canada has two junior women entered for the time trial as well as three espoirs.

Also competing Tuesday afternoon will be Dundas, Ontario's Peter Mazur. Mazur won the junior World Championships in 2000 and will be racing on the Polish National Team for this year's Road Worlds.