August 25, 2002 (North Conway, New Hampshire) – Canadian Geneviève
Jeanson, of the RONA Cycling Team, smashed the record of the Mount
Washington hillclimb. The 20-year old from Lachine, Quebec, climbed the very
tough 12.3 kilometre course with an average grade of 12.7% in 54:02 – 4:12
faster than the 58:14 record set in 2000 by French cycling icon Jeannie
Longo. only two men managed to get to the top of New England faster than
Jeanson today. Canadian Lyne Bessette was the second woman to make it to
the top in 1:04:30.


After such a fast climb, Jeanson was on cloud nine. “I had super legs this
morning, it felt like I had a tail wind for the whole race”, said Jeanson,
who decided just Thursday night to start the race this morning. “The past
few weeks’ work is paying off!”


Jeanson explained that her trainer André Aubut and she had worked on her
pedaling technique and that she had gained in eficiency. Actually I
concentrated on my tme trial technique where my rhythm is smoother and more
regular. That’s why I was able to win the Canadian Time Trial Championship
with such a good time. Even if today’s terrain is very different, I
benefit from the same work.” Enthusiasts may be interested to know that
the smallest gear used by Geneviève Jeanson today was a 38X28.

The RONA cycling team is one of only two Canadian women’s elite cycling
teams acknowledged by the International Cycling Union.