Emily Marcolini is back at the forefront of the local cycling scene, looking to crack the roster that will represent Ontario at the 2017 Canada Summer Games in Winnipeg in August.
Now, she's received a bit of a local boost to help her on her way.
A former competitive swimmer, Charlotte Savela recently hosted a fundraising indoor cycling class at Accelerated Physio & CycleBarre, tying in some additional awareness for the cross-connection of cycling and rehab, with a chance to spread the word a little more about Marcolini and her efforts.
"Cycling is really effective for people with knee and hip problems," said Savela. "We do have an osteoarthritis class for people in the morning, and we've seen a really big improvement. The concept is really where physiotherapy meets fitness."
"We try and get people started with physio and rehab, and then work them gradually to progress to a fitness routine."
A long-time advocate of physical fitness, Marcolini was a dominant cross-country and distance runner during her time both at St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School, as well as Cambrian College.
Transitioning to cycling a few years back, she continued to show improvement this past winter, finishing 11th overall at the Tour de Murietta in California, after registering a top five finish at nationals last year.
Earlier this month, she competed at the UCI Gatineau Grand Prix, looking to enhance her chances of attending the Summer Games.
"We all submitted applications back in December, so they are keeping an eye on everybody right now," said Marcolini. "We find out the team for sure on May 30."
Initially introduced to cycling through local rider Jody Nadjiwon (who was also leading the class at the fundraiser), Marcolini is hopeful of being noticed as a candidate in either the road race, time trial, or criterion, or perhaps a combination of these events.
"There are some general riders and others who are specialists," she said.
"I'm a little bit between a climbing specialist and a time trial specialist."
Marcolini is cycling with the newly-formed HighGate Racing all-female team this summer.
