April 27, 2013 (Dundas, ON) – Clara Hughes had to arrive at the top of Sydenham Hill on a bike. Just as she climbed to the summit of the sport, she arrived for the Clara’s Climb Plaque Dedication Ceremony today by turning the pedals one more time up Sydenham Hill joined by the Hamilton National Cycling Centre development team and other riders.

It was a beautiful sunny day with many dignitaries in attendance both from the cycling world and local government including her mother, Maureen Hughes who flew in from Winnipeg, Clara’s hometown. Hamilton Mayor Bob Bratina, Dundas councillor Russ Powers and MPP Ted McMeekin were on hand as were cycling luminaries Steve Bauer, Curt Harnett, Mark Walters and Hughes’ first coach Mirek Mazur.

Bauer put it well when he said, “Clara is such a great role model and her accomplishments are too numerous to name. I am so glad that people came together to create this tribute to such a well-deserving athlete. This spot will now be known as Clara’s Climb for all time. What a great Canadian sports story.”

Hughes, who followed Mazur back to Ontario in 1990 and lived in the Hamilton area for seven years fondly refers to it as her second home. Her first team back then was with Specialized-Pedal and her career ended with the Specialized-lululemon squad.

Mazur, who coached Hughes for seven years, said she showed signs of greatness from the first camp in South Dakota. “It was a great day… I think about 200-300 people were on top of Sydenham Hill. On the streets of Dundas during Clara’s parade it was incredible, tons of kids and people were on the Dundas streets.”

With many young athletes on hand, Hughes was full of encouragement for the youth of tomorrow and took the time for photos and signed autographs for many admirers.

Hughes, 40, the only athlete to win multiple medals in both Summer and Winter Olympics, was very moved by the ceremony and emphasized that nothing truly worthwhile ever comes easy. She encouraged young people to dream big and for parents to help their kids realize their passion as her mom did for her, “…because you never know where that can go.”

The plaque that was on display for the ceremony was temporary, with a permanent version soon to take its place facing the valley. It was truly a special and memorable day for Hughes, the sport and cycling fans.