EXCLUSIVE: Kanata cyclist testified in tears

Cathy Anderson is the only cyclist with any memory of the devastating crash on July 19, 2009 that left her and four friends seriously injured. She appeared as a key witness for the Crown Attorney in the case against the driver who hit the group of cyclists.

In an exclusive interview with the CBC's Laurie Fagan before the trial ended, Anderson spoke of the day the five cyclists were struck by a van while riding along March Road. The van was driven by Sommit Luangpakham.

Luangpakham, 47, was found guilty Thursday on all five counts of dangerous driving causing bodily harm and five counts of leaving the scene of an accident.

Luangpakham testified he fell asleep at the wheel and said he thought he struck a post and not the cyclists.

Of the five riders, only Anderson can remember being hit and she is the only cyclist who took the witness stand during the trial.

Anderson cried during her testimony as she talked about how the crash left her emotionally scarred. The 47-year-old's partner, Robert Wein,  was also cycling in the group.

Wein was knocked unconscious and suffered a serious brain injury that left him in a coma for months.

"It was very emotional to have to recall it in front of the other victims what I recall from the accident, but I was willing to do that and push through the emotional side of it," said Anderson.

Anderson injured pelvis, elbow in crash 

Anderson was in the back of the pack when the van hit her, breaking her pelvis and shattering her elbow in eight pieces.

'You know we still have a long way to go in terms of recovery and progress and this will provide an opportunity to do that.' —Cathy Anderson

Anderson and Wein listened to all the testimony.  She said they are both relieved that the trial has come to a close.

"Putting something behind you allows you to open up space ahead of you," said Anderson.

"You know we still have a long way to go in terms of recovery and progress and this will provide an opportunity to do that."