Alex Stieda is a true pioneer in the world of Professional cycling in the US and abroad. Turning professional in 1986, Alex and the 7-Eleven team raced the Tour de France for the first time. Finishing the 4km prologue time trial as the best rider on the team, Alex broke away on the following stage to claim enough time bonuses to win the yellow jersey, becoming the first North American to do so.
In addition, he won five jerseys in total including the polka dot as best climber, white as best rookie, red for intermediate points, and the combination. After losing the yellow, Alex held the polka dot jersey for an additional five days over the hills of northern France. Three weeks later, Alex was a proud finisher of the on the Champs-Élysées.
Alex continued to compete as a professional until 1992 winning many races throughout North America including Tour of Texas, Gastown Grand Prix, and stages of the Coors Classic.
Since retiring in 1992, Alex has continued his involvement in cycling, by providing TV colour commentary for CBC, OLN, and Sportsnet, as well as coaching with Juventus Cycling Club. He is the co-founder of the Tour of Alberta, a professional cycling stage race in his home province. Alex has raced the Cape Epic MTB stage race twice, finishing 3rd in the Grand Masters with Tom Ritchey. He is an avid winter sport enthusiast racing the Birkibeiner Cross Country Ski Marathon 8 times and has started Skimo racing, a winter mountaineering event. Alex is a regular columnist in Pedal, a Canadian Cycling Magazine. Alex continues to share his passion for cycling by operating cycling camps at various locations throughout the world.
You can find out more about Alex at www.Stiedacycling.com