Alison Sydor is a trailblazer and legend in the sport of mountain biking. She is a three-time world champion with 12 world championships medals in all. She has never posted a result lower than fifth at the worlds. She won the silver medal at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta and was fifth in Sydney four years ago. She also has three World Cup overall crowns and 17 individual World Cup wins.
In 1996, she won the International Cyclist of the Year from Velo News beating out five-time Tour de France winner Miguel Indurain.
Sydor started her career in cycling on the road and enjoyed considerable success. She won four national road titles and in 1991 became the first Canadian woman ever to earn a world championship road medal by finishing third.
But she took on the challenge to join the fledging mountain bike circuit in 1991 and was one of its first stars. While the sport was new, it was growing in popularity, especially with teenagers and young adults. Bike companies and manufacturers were eager to jump on this market and top riders like Sydor became valuable spokespersons. Suddenly Sydor, a sports enthusiast who also excels in hockey and the triathlon, discovered she could make a comfortable living as a professional rider.
She is one of the most popular figures at international races not only because of her success but her open and friendly demeanor. She takes time to talk to fans and is a media favorite with her insightful views.
Athens is her fourth consecutive Olympics. She pre-qualified for the Games by finishing second last year at the world mountain bike championships.
