When Lauren Franges began cycling competitively more than three years ago, her first lesson went downhill from the start. It also made a lasting impression on her backside.

"It was kind of weird. They (coaches) brought us out on the grass and had us bump into each other," says Franges, a 16-year-old junior at Central Catholic High (Allentown, Pa.). "They wanted to show us how to tuck and roll. I guess a lot of people don't fall right."

	Lauren Franges is an up-and-coming cyclist.

Today, Franges falls right, rides right and dreams right, and is shooting for a chance to compete in the road cycling Junior World Championships and, someday, the Olympics.

"The long-term goal is to ride at the Olympics. I need to do well at some international and World Cup events to have a shot," says the ever-optimistic Franges, who has her sights set on the 2008 Games. "If I can get to the Olympic Trials, that's where I'll really need to perform."

For now, though, her focus is set on the Junior World Championships. Held in France this October, the Junior Worlds will give Franges an opportunity to travel, which is just one more reason to ride. Last week, she competed in Cuba and has been to Argentina for the Pan American Games. According to Franges, meeting people from around the world has been exciting. But competing against them leaves this cyclist speechless.

"I just kept thinking how amazing this is," says Franges about her time in Cuba. "I couldn't believe how fast they were. I mean, it was just unbelievable."

Franges isn't so bad herself. She won the EDS Junior National Track Cycling Championships in the 2-kilometer individual race last year, the 1997 Lance Armstrong Olympic Points Series (13-14 age group) and the 1996 Junior National Track Cycling points title.

More than three years ago, Franges' father, a "recreational" cyclist, thought Lauren might enjoy taking part in a biking program. She agreed and fell in love with the sport almost immediately. She now works with a private coach, Gil Hatton.

"He's always been there when I needed something," says Franges of her instructor. "He encourages me to keep going and keeps me focused on my goals."

Including her Olympic dreams.