“I give my regards to all the athletes, event organizers, clubs, and volunteers honored by (this weekend by the FQSC). Together we contribute in our own way toward advancing (cycling) and will continue to do so to take things to a higher level,” said Arsenault. The popular organizer of the biggest road cycling events in the country suggested that those governing the sport across the country needed to embrace all factions of cycling more equitably.
Legendary Clara Hughes, who was also a speed skater, amassed some 35 national titles between the two sports over her career and is also the only athlete worldwide to have won multiple medals in both the summer and winter Olympics. Originally from Winnipeg, Hughes signed her first team contract with Specialized-Pedal and moved to Ontario in 1991 and then to Quebec in 1999. She effusively thanked many who have helped her during her stellar career making special mention of fellow inductee and former coach as well, Erik Van Den Eynde. “He saved my life,” said Hughes. Van Den Eynde is one of the most respected and renowned coaches in the province and the across Canada. It was an emotional day for the humble coach who began his career back in 1985. Among those he thanked in particular were were his brother Robert, together with para-cyclists Patrice Bonneau, Gary Longhi and Shelly Gautier. “Gary really changed my life and got me hooked on para-cycling during the time I coached him for the 1996 Paralympics in Atlanta,” said the Belgian-born Van Den Eynde.Barbeau added that Van Den Eynde is not only a great coach, but that he changed the lives of many of the athletes he worked with. Speaking to Pedal afterward, Van Den Eynde refuted the notion that he was retiring from coaching, saying he was continuing, but prefers to continue as a consultant so as to avoid much of the paperwork associated with of the job.
In 1997 Rover was one of the first cyclists from Quebec to turn pro in Europe, signing with the Mutuelle de Seine et Marne. He finished 4th at the Tour de l’Avenir in 1996, then returned to cycling as a tandem pilot for the Paralympic Games in Athens in 1996. Annie Gariépy, a road and track cyclist, medaled in almost every National Championships she participated in during her career from 1991 to 2001. She also put together a women’s cycling team in 1997 at age 21, team Elita, which became one of the best teams in North America.“We are very proud to induct these five new members who have made their mark either as athletes or builders throughout their careers,” concluded Barbeau. The next day saw the annual Mérite Québécois awards of distinction, also at the Château Bromont.
- Hall of Fame award for Clara Hughes © Pasquale Stalteri
- Painting © Pasquale Stalteri
- FQSC President André Michaud © Pasquale Stalteri
- André Michaud © Pasquale Stalteri
- Clara Hughes © Pasquale Stalteri
- Clara Hughes © Pasquale Stalteri
- Clara Hughes © Pasquale Stalteri
- Clara Hughes © Pasquale Stalteri
- Clara Hughes © Pasquale Stalteri
- © Pasquale Stalteri
- Clara Hughes © Pasquale Stalteri
- Clara Hughes © Pasquale Stalteri
- (l-r) Michel Bourgault, Clara Hughes, Hélène Soulard © Pasquale Stalteri
- 30th anniversary of the FQSC Hall of Fame (l-r) Annie Gariépy, Lyne Bessette, Erik Van Den Eynde, Clara Hughes © Pasquale Stalteri
- (l-r) Clara Hughes, Erik Van Den Eynde, Annie Gariépy, Steve Rover © Pasquale Stalteri
- Athletes who have been coached or worked with Erik Van Den Eynde during his career © Pasquale Stalteri
- (l-r) Jeanine Meunier, Gaston Langlois, Richard Camirand © Pasquale Stalteri
- Cycling Hall of Famer Gaston Langlois with his wife
- Annie Gariépy © Pasquale Stalteri
- Annie Gariépy © Pasquale Stalteri
- Annie Gariépy © Pasquale Stalteri
- Annie Gariépy © Pasquale Stalteri
- Erik Van Den Eynde © Pasquale Stalteri
- Erik Van Den Eynde © Pasquale Stalteri
- Erik Van Den Eynde © Pasquale Stalteri
- Erik Van Den Eynde © Pasquale Stalteri
- Dany Deslongchamps © Pasquale Stalteri
- Czeslaw Lukaszewicz © Pasquale Stalteri
- FQSC's Louis Barbeau © Pasquale Stalteri
- (l-r) Sébastien Arsenault, Louis Barbeau, André Michaud © Pasquale Stalteri
- Event organizer Serge Arsenault © Pasquale Stalteri
- Serge Arsenault © Pasquale Stalteri
- Serge Arsenault © Pasquale Stalteri
- Serge Arsenault © Pasquale Stalteri
- MC Louis Bertrand © Pasquale Stalteri
- Paracyclist Alexandre Cloutier © Pasquale Stalteri
- Show Animator Louis Bertrand © Pasquale Stalteri
- Martin Gilbert with Eric Van den Eynde © Pasquale Stalteri
- Temple de la Renommée (Hall of Fame) © Pasquale Stalteri
- Clara Hughes with Czezlaw Lukaszewicz and his wife © Pasquale Staleri
- (l-r) Clara Hughes, Erik Van Den Eynde, Annie Gariépy, Steve Rover © Pasquale Stalteri