it will be another honoured ride down memory lane for windsor’s kelly-ann way.
a two-time olympian who blazed trails for female cyclists, the 59-year-old way will be one of four new inductees to the canadian cycling hall of fame in a ceremony on saturday in bromont, que.
“i think it’s nice to be recognized for the accomplishments,” way said. “it’s nice to see my peers recognize it.”
way began cycling when she was 11 under the watchful eye of her father, gord way, with the windsor bicycle club.
“i still ride with my dad twice a week,” way said. “he’s 89 and he’s coached me my whole career and it’s nice to still be sharing that aspect. he introduced me cycling.
“i always got words of encouragement from the riders with the windsor bicycle club and i had that support system and i was grateful for it.”
way began racing in 1977 and won her first provincial road championship two years later. by the age of 17, she won her first national medal.
way competed in her first of four tour de france feminin in 1984 and won the eighth stage. in doing so, she became the first north american to ever win a stage of the event. in 1989, she wore the yellow jersey as race leader for two days before finishing 10th overall.
“i know people put a lot of stock in olympics, and i’m glad i went, but i think they forget about the other four years,” said way, who competed for canada at the 1988 and 1992 olympic games. “those accomplishments, between the olympics, are rewarding.