One Gear, No Breaks

Book excerpt: When 38-year-old underdog Lori-Ann Muenzer entered the 2004 Olympics, few believed that she would be able to compete with cyclists half her age. Muenzer persevered, kept her mind on the track, and won the Olympic Gold. Competitive cycling is about pain, punishment and speed. On the road to the winner's podium, Muenzer suffered more than her share of pain and punishment: a broken collarbone ruined her chance to vie for berths on the Commonwealth team for Victoria in 1994 and Atlanta in 1996; a mountain biking injury in 1999 rendered her unable to train for nearly eight months; severe tendonitis in her knees threatened to end Muenzer's athletic career for good. Lori-Ann Muenzer captured a gold medal in the 2004 Olympic Games with her outstanding performance in the women's Match Sprint finals. With her Olympic victory, Muenzer became the first Canadian to bring home a gold medal in cycling. Muenzer's personal motivation and discipline will resonate with readers across the country, and her determination will inspire anyone who faces challenges in his or her life. "One Gear, No Breaks" is the uplifting memoir of one of Canada's athletic heroes.