Cycling, Athlete, Inducted 2018 |
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As an inspiring athlete on two wheels, Stieda led the Canadian cycling community to great heights. His love of cycling started early and was unleashed onto the streets, lanes and trails of Coquitlam. A daredevil’s delight in riding fast and on the edge wasn’t deterred by numerous crashes. However, we’re grateful he chose to not follow in Evel Knievel’s path, instead choosing a championship route to a variety of podiums.
At the age of 16 Stieda became one of the best in Canada in the discipline of track racing, winning numerous junior national titles and placing fifth in the junior world championships. His passion for speed earned him a spot on the 7-Eleven road racing cycling team in 1982, which travelled across North America and produced first-place results in 50 per cent of the events they entered.
His international success spread to the 1982 Commonwealth Games in Australia, where Stieda captured bronze in individual pursuit and represented Canada at the 1986 Los Angeles Olympics. The big breakthrough that shocked a continent was with the 7-Eleven team when Stieda became the first-ever North American cyclist to capture the yellow jersey, on July 5 of the 1986 Tour de France. While he held it for less than a day, it was a ground-breaking achievement that inspired racers across the globe.
Stieda made headlines and set a course that thousands of other young Canadian cyclists would follow. As passionate about winning as he was for competing, sharing in his team’s success was paramount. Without a doubt, Alex Stieda set the wheels in motion for Canada’s emergence on the international cycling stage.
Alex could not be here this evening and sends his regrets. He is living in Edmonton at the moment but will be in Coquitlam this fall and we will make sure he receives his award and see his display alongside Coquitlam’s other great athletes.