ERINNE WILLOCK JOINS TEAM RONA

Montreal, November 7, 2002 – Team RONA is proud to announce that Canadian cyclist Erinne Willock has signed on to join the team in 2003.

Erinne Willock, who recently turned 21, already has seven years of racing behind her. “I grew up in Victoria, BC. Cycling is very popular there and schools mount teams in an inter-schools racing league,” says the young cyclist, who is now studying physical education and biology at the University of Victoria. But in fact Erinne was almost born into cycling. Her father, Martin Willock, wore the Canadian Olympic colors in the team time trial at the Los Angeles Games in 1984, while her uncle Bernie won a bronze medal in the team time trial at the 1979 Pan-American Games and was Canadian Road Race Champion In 1980.

Erinne, who is 5 ft 4 for 108 lbs, tried track and mountain bike races before switching to road racing. ”This is the type of race I enjoy most,” she says, after a 2002 season when she wore a Verizon jersey. “I like the road race atmosphere, the teamwork and tactics in the pack. And I like the climbing part. I’m eager to get into my RONA colors and become part of the team. Racing with Geneviève (Jeanson), Cathy (Marsal) and the others is going to be quite an experience.”

As a part of the Canadian Cycling Association’s development program, Erinne’s road record already includes the Tour de l’Aude in 2001, the Tour de la Drome in 2002 (12th place in GC and one stage podium), and several races in the Coupe de France, notably the Trophée des Grimpeurs (8th place and 1st Espoirs in 2001).

“Erinne is young but she’s very promising,” says Team RONA coach André Aubut. “At Fichtburg this year, we saw her stay with leaders in a long breakaway that ended in the grueling climb up Mount Wachusset. She finished just behind Clara Hughes and ahead of Kim Bruckner. You couldn’t have taken that for granted. I think she’s got the right stuff.”

The RONA cycling team is one of only two Canadian women’s elite cycling teams acknowledged by the International Cycling Union. The 2003 Team includes Canadians Geneviève Jeanson, Andrea Hannos, Carrie Tuck and Erinne Willock along with Melissa Holt (NZL), Catherine Marsal (FRA), Karen Bockel (GER) and Kristen LaSasso (USA).

RONA is the leading distributor and retailer of hardware, renovation and gardening products in Canada.

Team RONA receives equipment and sponsorship from several manufacturers, including Colnago, Biemme, Shimano, Michelin, Mavic, Diadora, Limar, Selle Italia, Speedplay, ITM, Look, CatEye, Tacx, Finish Line and Club Médico-Sportif.

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