May 10, 2006 — Lori-Ann Muenzer, Canada’s only Olympic gold medal cyclist never ceases to amaze the world as she breaks out with a thrilling and moving account of her heroic journey which defines who she is today.

Muenzer is currently on a national book tour sponsored by EPCOR to promote her book, One Gear, No Breaks. Pedal met with Muenzer and Karl Wilberg, the author of her new book relating her ride to belief, belonging, and a gold medal, at Indigo books at the Toronto Eaton Centre on Monday, May 8. Muenzer spoke to an eager crowd who waited patiently as she personalized her thoughts signing each copy of One Gear, No Breaks.

Karl Wilberg, a cyclist himself, brings Muenzer’s gold medal journey to light with vivid detail that will keep readers turning pages to find out how she reached the top rung on the podium. Wilberg told Pedal that when he met Muenzer through her coach, Steen Madsen, and began talking to her, he felt her story was so powerful and mythological that it had to be told. Wilberg explained, “I kept wondering what amazing obstacle and disaster will I hear about next?” Wilberg is still amazed at the pattern of ambition, success, and disaster that Muenzer endured over and over again. Lacking resources, facing injury, losing her friend and fundraiser, Wilberg sought to understand “Why did she keep coming back? She had so much belief in the value of her dream – it haunted her.”

Wilberg directs readers to Chapter 13, “Buried Treasure”, where Muenzer faced adversity against a tough Australian opponent who tried to collide with her in order to win. Muenzer had to make a tough decision and decided not to retaliate which later paid off in Athens when her equipment failed and the Australian team lent her a wheel set which she used to win Olympic gold.

Muenzer’s inner fire and passion to persevere and break through adversity resonates throughout her biography. Incredibly, at 38 years old, she captured gold in the women’s Match Sprint final at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games. Muenzer has also won two silver and two bronze medals at the World Track Championships, and a silver and two bronze medals at the 1998 and 2002 Commonwealth Games. In addition she has accumulated an outstanding 13 national titles, and 11 World Cup Track medals over the course of her stellar career.

One Gear, No Breaks is published by Key Porter Books and is available at www.chapters.indigo.ca and at all major book stores.

Muenzer Book Tour

Wednesday May 10 – Peterborough
– TBC, Chapters, 873 Landsdowne St., Peterborough (NEW)

Thursday, May 11 – Montreal
– 12:30 -2:30 pm, Indigo – Place Montreal Trust @ 1500 McGill College Ave.

Monday, May 15 – Vancouver
– 12:00-2:00 pm, Chapters, 2505 Granville St.

Wednesday, May 17 – Victoria
– 12:00-2:00 pm, Chapters @ 1212 Douglas St.

Wednesday, May 31 – Kelowna (NEW)
– 7:00-9:00 pm, Chapters @ Orchard Park, 2271 Harvey Avenue