October 30/24 17:11 pm - New Members Inducted into Canadian Cycling Hall of Fame

Posted by Editoress on 10/30/24
 

Five new members were inducted into the Canadian Cycling Hall of Fame on Sunday, in Ottawa - three Athletes and two Builders. The Athlete inductees were Sylvia Burka, Sue Palmer and Anne Samplonius, while the Builders ... Canadian Cyclist founders Tracy Harkness and Rob Jones (yes, I'm writing about myself in the third person, and we are honoured to have been recognized). The Hall now includes 41 members - 33 Athletes and eight Builders.

L to r: Anne Samplonius, Tracy Harkness, Rob Jones, Sylvia Burka, Susan Palmer  photo Grégoire M. Crevier

The inductees:

Sylvia Burka
Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Sylvia Burka was a remarkable athlete who overcame early adversity to achieve excellence in both winter and summer sports. Despite losing an eye as a child, Burka went on to represent Canada in three Winter Olympic Games as a speed skater before taking up track cycling in 1975. As a pioneer in Canadian women's cycling, Burka claimed 12 national sprint titles throughout her illustrious cycling career excelling in the 1000m time trial, Pursuit, Road Time Trial, and Road Race events. Burka's accomplishments laid the foundation for future Winnipeg-born cycling stars like Clara Hughes, Tanya Dubnicoff, and Leah Kirchmann, all of whom followed in her footsteps. Through her achievements, Burka not only became a celebrated figure in Canadian sport but also an inspiration for generations of athletes.

Susan Palmer
Sue Palmer has long been a cornerstone of Canadian cycling, establishing herself as one of the country's most accomplished cyclists throughout her extensive career. A dedicated member of the Canadian National Cycling Team, Palmer consistently represented Canada on the world stage over two decades, competing in numerous elite international events. A veteran of the UCI Road World Championships, Palmer competed in 11 editions of the event, from 1993 through 2006. Her ability to compete at the highest level for so many years is a testament to her endurance, determination, and skill.

Anne Samplonius
Anne Samplonius enjoyed a long and successful career as a member of the Canadian National Cycling Team, representing Canada on the world stage across numerous events and disciplines. A fixture in international competition, Samplonius represented Canada at the UCI Road World Championships ten times, spanning nearly two decades between 1993 to 2010. Her dedication and consistency made her one of the top time trial specialists of her era and a cornerstone of Canadian women's cycling.

Rob Jones & Tracy Harkness
Rob Jones and Tracy Harkness have been trailblazers in the Canadian cycling scene, making significant strides to elevate the sport both through their advocacy and media work, as well as being an instrumental part in the establishment of Canadian mountain bike racing in the 80's. In late 1994, Jones and Harkness launched Canadian Cyclist, a publication that quickly became a leading voice for cycling news, stories, and events across the country. Their motivation was simple but powerful: to inform and involve more Canadians in the sport they love. Together, they have made an indelible mark on cycling in Canada, supporting the sport's growth through their media work and grassroots efforts. Their combined dedication continues to foster a thriving cycling community and a legacy for Canadian cyclists.