Four Cycling Pioneers Inducted
Cycling Examiner - Nov 8, 2009
The U.S. Bicycling Hall of Fame has inducted four unique contributors -- Richard Cortright, three-time Olympian; Phyllis Harmon, lifetime cyclist, legendary volunteer; Clayton John, BMX icon, businessman, promoter; and Nelson Vails, Olympic and World Championship medalist, professional keirin racer.
The new members boost to 124 membership in the exclusive fraternity. It began in 1986 and "recognizes American competitive cyclists and contributors to the sport of cycling for their significant achievements."
Each new honoree received a glowing introduction and with the exception of Cortright (who died in September at age 79), recipients gave sometimes funny, sometimes poignant, sometimes laborious acceptance speeches during the five-hour catered dinner and auction held Nov. 7 at Freeborn Hall in Davis.
Michael Aisner, long-time bicycling promoter and cycling historian who brought the Coors International Bicycle Classic to global prominence, provided witty and well-timed commentary as emcee.
Connie Carpenter Phinney, the 1984 women's road race gold medalist, wife of Hall of Fame member Davis Phinney and mother of world champion Taylor Phinney, was the keynote speaker.
Dr. Max Testa, a consulting physician to many cyclists and a team doctor to several pro squads, honored Steve Larsen, the highly accomplished pro cyclist and triathlete and a native of Davis, who died earlier this year at age 39.
