January 06, 2013 (Boulder, CO) – Anne Samplonius, a professional cyclist originally from Montreal, has hung up her bike after a long and storied career. Samplonius, who turns 45 in February, is now living in Boulder, Colorado.

“It was a difficult decision to hang up the wheels after competing around the world for 20 years in a sport that was – and still is – my life,” Samplonius told Pedal. “I have raced in 13 World Championships for Canada, and I will never forget the years and support of racing with the Canadian National team, definitely some of the best memories I have.

“The last two years I have been a member of the professional USA-based team, NOW and Novartis for MS, and had the support of not only fantastic teammates, some that are the most talented women in America, but also the most devoted sponsors towards women’s cycling – and that is a rare thing. For that reason it was hard to quit this team, but I also knew it was time to move on.

“I always knew I would coach one day – I am a teacher and mentor at heart – and I have accrued such an abundance of knowledge and experience over my career that it would be a waste to not pass that on, especially in women’s cycling where it is so needed, but really to all areas of cycling.

“Currently I have a few athletes I am coaching and I am looking to add to more, although I must say that I am limiting the total number this year since my other job, as a stay-at-home mom taking care of a toddler keeps me more than busy.” Her coaching services can be contacted at anneslam [at] gmail [dot] com.

Pedal wishes Samplonius the best with her new career.

Among Samplonius’ accolades, she counts:

– 1994 – 2nd place in World Time Trial Championships, Italy
– 1995 – 1st place in Fitchburg Longsjo Classic, USA
– 1996 – 1st place in Tucson Classic, USA
– 1997 – 1st place in National Criterium Championships, Canada
– 2000 – 1st place in Bermuda Grand Prix, Bermuda
– 2001 – 1st place in Solano road race, USA
– 2003 – 1st place in Ottawa Grand Prix à Gatineau, Canada
2006 – 1st place in Tyrone Time Trial, Tour of the Gila, USA; 1st place in National Criterium Championships, Canada; 1st in stage 3 of the Tour d‘Ardèche in France
– 2007: 1st Road Nationals TT
– 2008; 1st place Ronde van Gelderland, Netherlands; 1st place Tour de Lelanau; 1st Road Nationals TT
– 2010 – 1st place in ITT at Chrono Champenois, France
– 2011: 1st place Tulsa Tough stage 3; 1st place Tour of Elk grove TT, USA; 1st place Cascade Cycling Classic, USA final stage and 2nd overall GC
– 2012 – 2nd in Stage 1 of Tour of Elk Grove, USA