October 30, 2006 (Edmonton, AB) - One year after announcing her hiatus from competitive cycling, Lori-Ann Muenzer, 40 – Canada’s first Olympic gold medallist in cycling – is shifting gears and pursuing new opportunities, she announced in a press conference today.

“I have had a cycling career that has taken me across the globe and has allowed me to reach the absolute pinnacle of success. However, I am ready to tackle new opportunities and apply the many lessons learned in cycling to other aspects of my life,” said Muenzer.

Muenzer will dedicate her time and enthusiasm to her new successful entrepreneurial venture, Pure Momentum Inc. (www.puremomentum.ca), a grassroots company that promotes exceptional Canadian women for professional speaking engagements. “Pure Momentum is a way of bringing female athletes and other personalities together to share their unique stories and experiences that inspire and motivate others,” says Muenzer. Pure Momentum currently has six speakers on its team, with an additional seven introduced on October 30th. “My goal is to have Pure Momentum offer the experiences of 20 speakers by June, 2007.”

Muenzer had also launched her “One Gear, No Breaks” book this past April, a biography capturing the many highs and lows of Muenzer’s career. “One Gear, No Breaks” allowed me to really process the experiences I’d gained throughout my career,” said Muenzer. “These experiences formed part of the vision for Pure Momentum and I am thrilled to be able to pursue this new venture with the same determination and drive that earned me an Olympic gold medal (in women’s Track Match Sprint).

I've known Lori-Ann for many years, and she impressed me most with her unwavering determination and belief in her ability to succeed, which led her to an Olympic title few people would have predicted,” said CCA High Performance Director Kris Westwood. “I'm sure these qualities will stand her in good stead as she embarks on this new chapter of her life. The Canadian Cycling Association (CCA) would like to congratulate her on her cycling career, thank her for her involvement in the cycling community and wish her all the best in her future endeavours, and knows she will continue to inspire new generations of athletes.”

Muenzer’s involvement with cycling will continue through the “Lori-Ann Muenzer Program (LAMP)” – a program that was launched in the spring of 2006 that supports and trains up and coming cyclists in three disciplines.

“LAMP is my legacy to the sport of cycling. I will continue to play an active role in helping young athletes reach their dreams,” states Muenzer.

She will also continue speaking to children in schools across Canada to inspire them to pursue sport.

For more information, please contact:

Carmelle Boston, Press Facilitator
780.918.5485
cboston@telus.net

For further information or interview request, please contact:

Florence Bourg
Communications Manager - Directrice des communications
Canadian Cycling Association - Association cycliste canadienne
2197 Riverside Drive, suite/bureau 203
Ottawa, ON, K1H 7X3
Tel: +1-418-824-9207
Cell: +1-418-558-4559
florence.bourg@canadian-cycling.com