Date of birth
22.05.1972
Residence
Breitbrunn by the Chiemsee
Why did you start riding bikes? When did you start?
Clearly, my love for nature and mountains. When I moved to Bavaria seven years ago I met my boyfriend Rudi. Our first mountain biking tour led to the Falkenhütte in the Karwendel. That’s where it clicked in terms of the bike AND Rudi.
When did you start racing?
2003.
What was your largest success in riding?
That is hard to say. To me not only the race result counts. Much more important to me is the comparison with the other riders. To me a first place in a small race is worth less than the fourth place in a large race like the Dolomiti Superbike. But I am happy about winning Cape Epic in 2006, and coming in third in 2007. Also I am happy about coming in second in the Transalp Challenge in 2007 and coming in third at the German Marathon Championship 2007.
When did you start riding for the TEAM FIAT ROTWILD?
Officially? 2006.
What is special about the TEAM FIAT ROTWILD?
The good spirit within the team, and that everybody is just normal, and gets along well, because of one common thing – having fun riding. However, most of all it is very special, that it keeps being emphasised how important it is to have fun and to stay healthy – that is, not to risk too much. That strongly motivates, since one functions much better without pressure from the top.
Where is your hometrail and what are your favourite bikespots?
My hometrails are located in the Chiemgauer Mountains, of course: Kampenwand etc. But also the Karwendel with the Falkenhütte and Lamsenjoch are still some of my favourites. Other than that, of course: Lago-trails in spring time...and Finale Ligure, just a dream. And Dolomites and, and, and...it is just wonderful to keep discovering new trails.
Which one is your favourite ROTWILD bike and why?
First Love is the deapest. My absolute favourite is my ROTWILD RCC 07 a 2003 model. That was my first full suspension bike and my first ROTWILD bike. I learned a lot with this bike and courageously dared riding the steepest trails. Otherwise, of course I like all my bikes (that’s why I can’t get rid of any of the bikes). The R.R2 FS is an outstanding bike, also the design is super precious. Even if we rarely admit it, for us women the look of a bike does matter a lot – and in terms of design the ROTWILD bikes are super precious and wonderful.
What are your most favourite races and why?
The races in Switzerland are great (e.g. Swiss-Bike-Masters and Eiger Bike Challenge): nice and challenging trails, many enthusiastic spectators and top organisation. In Germany I like Kirchzarten and Frammersbach, especially because of the many spectators. And Saalbach-Hinterglemm can’t be left out of course, because of the unique scenery and the incredibly steep Zwölferkogel.
How much do you train?
I train most between February and the middle of Mai. That’s when I train a lot and long hours on the road bike. During long units I get to get my mind off of everything and they make me mentally strong fort he marathons. I might even train 15-20 hours per week. During the season there is not as much time for long rides, of course. That’s when I rather train short and hard… I need some time to recover, as well.
What are your sportive goals in 2008?
Being faster than the year before and trying to get onto the podium every once in a while.
Do you have a personal motto?
Actually I don’t, but if for example I have been riding in the rain for hours, I am really hungry and just feel terrible, then sometimes I think: “whatever doesn’t kill me makes me strong” that can quickly become a motto.
