November 3, 2006 – Lori-Ann Muenzer saw gold, believed gold and achieved gold. In a competitive cycling career that spanned 17 years, Muenzer defied odds, overcame challenges, gathered momentum and, in 2004, became the first Canadian to bring home an Olympic gold in cycling. But now, this cyclist from Edmonton, Alta. has decided to change gears.

On Oct. 30, 2006 at a press conference in Edmonton, Muenzer formally announced her retirement from cycling and officially hung up the Olympic bike. Muenzer credited cycling for taking her around the globe and teaching her the meaning of success. However, she feels ready to tackle new opportunities and apply the lessons she’s learned in cycling to other aspects of her life.

“Some people are shocked with the news and others saw it coming,” said Muenzer, “and some have repeatedly asked “˜Are you okay?’ I repeatedly tell them I’m fine.”

Muenzer is more than just fine “” she’s busy. Her time is divided between several big projects: her company, Pure Momentum Inc., which promotes Canadian female motivational speakers such as Juno-Award-winning recording artists Sass Jordan and Carole Pope; the Lori-Ann Muenzer Program (LAMP), a 15-week development program that supports and trains up-and-coming cyclists in three disciplines; and the Canadian Tire Jump Start Program, a program that helps disadvantaged children move forward in life.

Muenzer is also excited about her freedom to try new sports. “I went rock climbing last weekend,” said Muenzer, “something I would never have done while I was competing for fear of getting injured.” And, as she pointed out later, she also feared the wrath of her cycling coach of many years, Steen Madsen, for doing anything dangerous that might jeopardize her career.

Even in the denouement of her career, Muenzer still hears his voice in her head. Recently as she climbed to the top of a fire engine ladder to take a picture from a better perspective, she found herself thinking, “Steen would kill me if he knew I was doing this.”

Madsen’s retirement from coaching a year ago to pursue banking and family life was a major factor in Muenzer’s decision to retire. She said she felt she couldn’t continue without Madsen, attributing all her success in cycling to his commitment and contribution. “He’s the root, the leading factor in my success. He shared everything he knew; he never said I couldn’t do it. He always believed,” said Muenzer, adding one of her happiest moments was when she arrived back in Edmonton and showed him her medal, calling it the “golden egg.”

“There’s not a better trainer, coach, friend and mentor,” said Muenzer. “Someone like him comes only once in a lifetime, and I am forever grateful.” But, like in cycling, Muenzer now has mentors for the next chapter of her life.

“I have mentors in everything I do; they keep me accountable,” said Muenzer, who names Karl Wilberg, who co-authored Muenzer’s book One Gear, No Breaks, as a person who has had a big impact in her life. “I believe we all need mentors.”

During her career, Muenzer won two silver and two bronze World Championship medals, 11 World Cup medals and a silver and bronze medal at the 2002 Commonwealth Games. She was also a 13-time Canadian champion and holds many Canadian records.

But just because Muenzer is retiring doesn’t mean she is giving up riding altogether. “I don’t want to lose what I’ve worked so hard to get,” said Muenzer. “I’m still in the best shape of my life and I believe that being active is a lifestyle.” In her busy schedule, she still trains one to three hours a day, either in the gym or out on the bike. She said that the benefit of self-employment is that she has the freedom to go for a ride if it’s a beautiful day outside.

While Muenzer lays out a new blueprint for her life outside of competitive cycling, she said with exuberance in her voice, “I am enjoying everyday to the fullest.”