November 26, 2003 – VeloNews has awarded the North American Female Cyclist of the Year title for 2003 to Genevieve Jeanson of the RONA-Esker cycling team. Citing Jeanson's “dominance” in this year's North American racing season, the American cycling magazine noted the “palpable air of fear” among rival cyclists each time the “diminutive 22-year-old from Lachine, Quebec, rolled to the start line.”

VeloNews also noted that Jeanson, already known for her climbing and time trial abilities, added the sprint to her arsenal of skills this year. The VeloNews report announcing the award is published online at http://www.velonews.com/news/fea/5287.0.html

“I'm flattered and pleased to learn I've been chosen by VeloNews,” says Genevieve Jeanson. “An honour like this is always a pleasure, but I particularly appreciate it this year. It's good for my morale after the controversies I've been through the past few weeks. I really want to share this honor with my coach, Andre Aubut, and my teammates. This year our team was as good as it gets in women's cycling, and that's a big reason for my own results.”

Team RONA/Esker (www.equiperona.ca) is one of only two Canadian women's cycling teams in the Elite Category recognized by the International Cycling Union. The 2003 team was made up of four Canadian racers (Genevieve Jeanson, Andrea Hannos, Carrie Tuck and Erinne Willock), French racers Catherine Marsal and Magali Le Floc'h, New Zealander Melissa Holt, German Karen Bockel and American Kristen LaSasso.

RONA is one of Canada's leading hardware and home renovation retailers (www.rona.ca). Esker is a natural spring water from the north of Canada, sold in North America and Asia (www.eauesker.com).

The 2003 team also received equipment and service sponsorships from many companies, including Colnago, Biemme, Shimano, Michelin, Mavic, Diadora, Limar, Selle Italia, ITM, Look, CatEye, Tacx, Finish Line, Cane Creek, Saris, Power Tap, Trialtir, Cycles Lambert and Club Medico-Sportif.