One Gear, No Breaks: Lori-Ann Muenzer's Ride to Belief, Belonging, and a Gold Medal » (REV)

When 38-year-old underdog Lori-Ann Muenzer entered the 2004 Olympics, few believed that she would be able to compete with cyclists half her age. Muenzer persevered, kept her mind on the track, and won the Olympic Gold.

Competitive cycling is about pain, punishment and speed. On the road to the winner's podium, Muenzer suffered more than her share of pain and punishment: a broken collarbone ruined her chance to vie for berths on the Commonwealth team for Victoria in 1994 and Atlanta in 1996; a mountain biking injury in 1999 rendered her unable to train for nearly eight months; severe tendonitis in her knees threatened to end Muenzer's athletic career for good.

Lori-Ann Muenzer captured a gold medal in the 2004 Olympic Games with her outstanding performance in the women's Match Sprint finals. With her Olympic victory, Muenzer became the first Canadian to bring home a gold medal in cycling.

Muenzer's personal motivation and discipline will resonate with readers across the country, and her determination will inspire anyone who faces challenges in his or her life. One Gear, No Breaks is the uplifting memoir of one of Canada's athletic heroes.

Preface     9
Prologue     11
Hunger     15
Apprentice     21
Breaks     31
The Deep End     41
Monster     49
Fall     63
Rich and Strange     73
Mystery     85
Coach     101
Odyssey     111
Rocket     121
Lighting the Fuse     133
Buried Treasure     145
Rocket Ride     155
Waiting for Dirndl Girl     161
Bike Monster     169
Playing with Fire     175
1/2 El Toro     185
School and the Seventh Sense     197
Here Be Dragons     205
Athena     215
Epilogue     243
Acknowledgements     247
Glossary     251