World-renowned cyclist Axel Merckx will be the guest speaker at this year’s Central Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Nov. 19.
Mercx, who is originally from Belgium, raced professionally from 1993 to 2007, winning an Olympic bronze medal and competing in eight Tour de France events.
He created the Granfondo cycling race in Penticton which draws hundreds of riders each summer and is viewed as one of the premier cycling events in North America.
As the Central Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame encourages youth to participate in sport and inspire future hall-of-famers, so too does the Axel Merckx youth development program.
The AMYDF works with national and provincial organizations, such as the Canadian Cycling Association and Cycling BC, to enhance cycling skills through a variety of competitive events, development camps and coaching clinics.
Through the Foundation’s efforts, Canada’s young cyclists receive unique access to some of North America’s top professional and amateur athletes, elite-level coaching, training events, and competitive races.
Axel will discuss all aspects of cycling from high end competitions to the incredible growth of recreational cycling events at the Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Nov.19 at the Coast Capri Hotel. Tickets for the event are available at the Kelowna Museum.
This year’s inductees are: Sarah Charles and Christie Van Hees in the athlete category, Wayne Hicks in the pioneer athlete category, Rod Belinski in the builder category, and John and Jennifer Hindle as Bennett Award (special recognition) recipients.
