August 29, 2010   (Burlington, Ontario) –  One of Canada’s most accomplished ski racers, three-time World Cup medalist, Devon Kershaw will be returning to his native Sudbury, Ontario to host the 2nd Annual Sudbury “Share the Road” Ride. On Tuesday August 31st, Kershaw will be teaming up with Eleanor McMahon, the CEO and Founder of the Share the Road Cycling Coalition (www.sharetheroad.ca), to raise awareness for bike safety and healthy lifestyles.

The Share the Road Cycling Coalition, (SRCC) is an Ontario-based non-profit organization, which promotes bicycling as a mode of transportation, recreation and fitness through provincial advocacy.

This joint initiative between Kershaw and the SRCC will feature a group bike ride in Sudbury on the evening of August 31st.  The 15-kilometre ride will start and finish at Science North and will be open to cyclists of all ages and abilities.

Kershaw and McMahon share a common tragedy.  Eleanor McMahon lost her husband OPP Sergeant Greg Stobbart, who was killed while on a training ride on his bike in June 2006, and Devon’s girlfriend, Sophie Manarin was also killed on a training ride in 2001.  The Share the Road Ride is being held in order to raise awareness of the benefits of cycling and the importance of sharing the road safely.

As the lead Athlete Ambassador for Share The Road, Kershaw has dedicated significant time and energy to promoting the work of the Coalition, most recently hosting a community ride in Canmore, Alberta, marking Share The Road’s first initiative outside of Ontario. And Kershaw also hosted a fundraising event in Toronto in May 2010.  Kershaw will provide a brief address to riders before the Sudbury ride rolls out at 6pm Tuesday, August 31st. Kershaw maintains that… “Accidents can be avoided when there is an increased level of awareness and care is taken by cyclists and motorists alike. We shouldn’t have to think twice about encouraging people to be active, environmentally-conscientious and to have fun by riding their bikes.”

Also providing remarks at the event will be Share The Road Founder Eleanor McMahon and Mayor of Greater Sudbury John Rodriguez. As well, Lise Leblanc with the Onaping Falls Nordics Cross Country Ski Club will be announcing the dedication of the Devon Kershaw trail at Windy Lake in recognition of his Olympic achievements. Kershaw will lead the leisurely-paced ride on his bike and will be joined by many of Sudbury’s cyclists that ride the streets regularly. “It’s a particularly relevant issue for athletes,” noted Kershaw.  “Between riding, roller skiing and running we are probably on the road at least 15 hours per week. By increasing awareness we can all continue to enjoy these activities safely.”

Information on the event is as follows:

When:             Tuesday, August 31st, 6:00 p.m.
Where:            Science North, 100 Ramsay Lake Rd., Sudbury Ontario
Who:               Devon Kershaw, Olympic XC Skier and 3-Time World Cup Medalist
Eleanor McMahon, CEO, Share the Road Cycling Coalition

For Information:

Eleanor McMahon, CEO, Share the Road Cycling Coalition (647) 201-2820; eleanor_mcmahon@rogers.blackberry.net