Monday, 6/4/07 at 10:36 AM
by Tiffany Brown
by Tiffany Brown
Catching Up with the Team: The Women of T-Mobile
I had the chance to ask some of the world’s best cyclists about anything I wanted to, and I chose to not ask them about riding!! I know, I know, it seems I may have blown my chance to find out how they got so fast and perhaps get some insight into how I can further my own paltry skills… At the time, finding out about what makes them tick and what they’d be doing if not for riding professionally was so much more exciting!
We’ll keep up with the ladies over the remainder of the season, checking in to see how they are fairing, but for now we have some really interesting answers…
Responses are from:
Kim Anderson (USA)
Kate Bates (Australia)
Alex Rhodes (Australia)
Ina-Yoko Teutenberg (Germany)
*find their profiles online at t-mobile-team.com
Where and how did you grow up? What were you like as a kid?
Kim: I grew up in Colorado Springs, CO. riding horses and motorcycles, We lived a bit in the country where we could have horses in our backyard as well as ride miles of dirt trails just across the street. So, I grew up a little cowgirl, wearing Wranglers until I noticed the cool kids wearing Levis. Lame! I was a really good student, primarily to avoid the wrath of my parents. So that had to count for something…
Kate: I grew up in Sydney, with Mum, Dad and sister Natalie. I was the kid who did everything from athletics to gymnastics, maths club to debating. There was nothing I didn’t want to be a part of. I wasn’t a bad student, but I was always described as ‘spreading myself too thin’ in my choice of diverse and numerous extracurricular activities. (They also liked to tell my parents I talked too much.)
Alex: I grew up in a small town in the centre of Australia, called Alice Springs. I didn’t really get into much trouble as a kid as there was nothing round to get into trouble with.
When did you first start riding a bike and what made you start racing?
Ina: Started racing at the age of 6. My two older brothers did it so I
had to do it as well as I did not want to miss out on anything.
Kate: My grandfather started the cycling club I am part of- Parramatta CC- and my father and uncle raced bikes. It seemed natural that I try the sport at some stage. I was 11 when I first raced, and it was because my sister had won $5. and I was jealous!!!
Who and/or what has influenced you?
Kim: We are always asked this question and it's tough for me to answer. I can answer quickly in every other sport I've been involved, but cycling seems to be different somehow and I can't put my finger on why. It's a "self motivating" sport and many times it's a solo journey depending on support. I don't have anyone that I can say "I've looked up too" along the way although many, many people have helped me. I guess the person that has stood by my side no matter what is my boyfriend Aaron Olson who is also a pretty "kick butt" Professional Cyclist He has influenced me the most just through his support and motivation. Thanks Ole!!
Kate: My parents, no question. They are amazing, they instilled in me a good work ethic from a young age, and they set an example for me that hard work pays dividends, whichever arena you choose to apply that. They never pushed me in any particular direction, but have always supported me 150%. They are both really wonderful people, and I love that achieving my dreams gives them satisfaction as well.
Do you have any pre-race rituals or superstitions?
Ina: normally have a favourite pair of glasses I wear at the important races. I normally decide after I actually had a good race with that
colour.
Alex: Not really. I guess starting out with a clean pair of knicks and a jersey is always a good start.
Kate: I race with a gold stiletto charm around my neck, and I listen to the Phantom of the Opera when I warm up. The opera calms me and makes me feel in control. The shoe is because I always joked that if I won a world championship I would buy myself ridiculously expensive shoes to celebrate. It is symbolic of what I want to achieve.
What was the last song you downloaded from the internet?
Kim: The Gypsy Kings. . Spanish music is so happy and fun! Cha. . cha. . cha!
Kate: Suddenly I See, by KT Tunstall. It was the theme song for ‘So you think you can dance’, and it always got played with a video montage when a dancer was voted off the show. I was totally hooked on the show, so it makes me smile.
Alex: Coat of many colours by Dolly Parton
Ina: just downloaded the new album from linkin park
What do you want to do after racing?
Kim: I am addicted to the TV Shows about "Flipping Houses", fixing and renovating. Not sure if I'll "flip" houses but for sure I'll design. I'm also really intrigued by all the "green building" and environmental issues. Who knows, I love so many things, maybe that's why I keep racing, I can't pick just one to focus on. Did I mention I love coffee? Maybe I could focus full time on that. : ))
Ina: would love to work with kids after I am done riding and make a
difference in their life.
Kate: My father started his own accounting firm, and so I am doing a business accounting degree at University, with the hope of working with Dad and being able to look after the business while he enjoys his retirement on the golf course. He has worked really hard to build it up, and I would love to be a part of that.
I also would love to put something back into the sport of cycling. I am passionate about the sport, and cant imagine I will ever be able to completely walk away from it. Perhaps in junior development or such.
I want a family, a picket fence, and a dog as well!!!
What changes would you like to see in women’s professional cycling?
Kate: I think women’s professional cycling is starting to look pretty healthy. Certainly in the years I have been racing, the pro scene has come along way. The biggest issue that faces the sport is the massive divide between junior and amateurs up to elite. I would like to see more effort go into development, so that riders are prepared for the pro scene when they finally reach that level. Currently there is no in-between for riders to develop their skill levels and tactical minds. This can lead to stagnation at a young age when the step up is too big!
How do you handle the constant travel, pressures and pace of life as a pro?
Ina: the lifestyle gets a bit harder the older you get. I do enjoy being home more then i used to but traveling is part of my job and I
like getting around in the world. pressure is there but I think we athlete put sometimes more on ourselves then the people around us. it is not just the sponsor who like us winning races. we do love it as much or even more and so we put that pressure on us and train hard to achieve it.
Kate: For me, handling the lifestyle is about balance. I try to manage my time well, and give myself an element of control in what can seem a constantly changing surrounding. When I am traveling I always have my school books on hand or my music player charged up. I have turned into a bit of a techno geek, and my bags are full of cords and cables for my toys. So often I find myself riding in a new place and thinking ‘How cool is my life’. I see the most amazing places, meet some incredible people, and get supported in chasing my dreams. I know when I hang the bike up, I will look back at this time with a big smile on my face.
Kim: I am not working in a cubicle 40 hrs a week, I'm living my dream of being a Professional Athlete, so that in itself makes it easy. I also have a boyfriend that lives and races the same lifestyle so I always have an avenue to vent or share experiences. It's really tough when we are apart for weeks or months, thank goodness for Blackberry's and Internet.
If you weren’t a pro cyclist, what would you be doing?
Kim: I've often thought about this because I've grown so much as a person through this journey on a bike. Pre-cycling, I had no idea how cool the World was and what I was missing. At the very least, my eyes have been opened to travel and opportunities outside my once small views. I would probably be into Real Estate and restoring houses. Crazy, who knows!! Maybe I'd have my own bean fields and I'd be riding a donkey around with Juan Valdez picking coffee beans. hee. . he.e. . one can only dream so go big!!
Ina: maybe a social worker or a ski bum!!!!
Alex: Probably be cutting toenails.
Is there anything you want to ask the ladies? Drop us a line and we’ll get your questions over to the team. Or send over your congratulations-- Ina just won the Commerce Bank Triple Crown opening race in Lancaster PA this weekend!!
We’ll keep up with the ladies over the remainder of the season, checking in to see how they are fairing, but for now we have some really interesting answers…
Responses are from:
Kim Anderson (USA)
Kate Bates (Australia)
Alex Rhodes (Australia)
Ina-Yoko Teutenberg (Germany)
*find their profiles online at t-mobile-team.com
Where and how did you grow up? What were you like as a kid?
Kim: I grew up in Colorado Springs, CO. riding horses and motorcycles, We lived a bit in the country where we could have horses in our backyard as well as ride miles of dirt trails just across the street. So, I grew up a little cowgirl, wearing Wranglers until I noticed the cool kids wearing Levis. Lame! I was a really good student, primarily to avoid the wrath of my parents. So that had to count for something…
Kate: I grew up in Sydney, with Mum, Dad and sister Natalie. I was the kid who did everything from athletics to gymnastics, maths club to debating. There was nothing I didn’t want to be a part of. I wasn’t a bad student, but I was always described as ‘spreading myself too thin’ in my choice of diverse and numerous extracurricular activities. (They also liked to tell my parents I talked too much.)
Alex: I grew up in a small town in the centre of Australia, called Alice Springs. I didn’t really get into much trouble as a kid as there was nothing round to get into trouble with.
When did you first start riding a bike and what made you start racing?
Ina: Started racing at the age of 6. My two older brothers did it so I
had to do it as well as I did not want to miss out on anything.
Kate: My grandfather started the cycling club I am part of- Parramatta CC- and my father and uncle raced bikes. It seemed natural that I try the sport at some stage. I was 11 when I first raced, and it was because my sister had won $5. and I was jealous!!!
Who and/or what has influenced you?
Kim: We are always asked this question and it's tough for me to answer. I can answer quickly in every other sport I've been involved, but cycling seems to be different somehow and I can't put my finger on why. It's a "self motivating" sport and many times it's a solo journey depending on support. I don't have anyone that I can say "I've looked up too" along the way although many, many people have helped me. I guess the person that has stood by my side no matter what is my boyfriend Aaron Olson who is also a pretty "kick butt" Professional Cyclist He has influenced me the most just through his support and motivation. Thanks Ole!!
Kate: My parents, no question. They are amazing, they instilled in me a good work ethic from a young age, and they set an example for me that hard work pays dividends, whichever arena you choose to apply that. They never pushed me in any particular direction, but have always supported me 150%. They are both really wonderful people, and I love that achieving my dreams gives them satisfaction as well.
Do you have any pre-race rituals or superstitions?
Ina: normally have a favourite pair of glasses I wear at the important races. I normally decide after I actually had a good race with that
colour.
Alex: Not really. I guess starting out with a clean pair of knicks and a jersey is always a good start.
Kate: I race with a gold stiletto charm around my neck, and I listen to the Phantom of the Opera when I warm up. The opera calms me and makes me feel in control. The shoe is because I always joked that if I won a world championship I would buy myself ridiculously expensive shoes to celebrate. It is symbolic of what I want to achieve.
What was the last song you downloaded from the internet?
Kim: The Gypsy Kings. . Spanish music is so happy and fun! Cha. . cha. . cha!
Kate: Suddenly I See, by KT Tunstall. It was the theme song for ‘So you think you can dance’, and it always got played with a video montage when a dancer was voted off the show. I was totally hooked on the show, so it makes me smile.
Alex: Coat of many colours by Dolly Parton
Ina: just downloaded the new album from linkin park
What do you want to do after racing?
Kim: I am addicted to the TV Shows about "Flipping Houses", fixing and renovating. Not sure if I'll "flip" houses but for sure I'll design. I'm also really intrigued by all the "green building" and environmental issues. Who knows, I love so many things, maybe that's why I keep racing, I can't pick just one to focus on. Did I mention I love coffee? Maybe I could focus full time on that. : ))
Ina: would love to work with kids after I am done riding and make a
difference in their life.
Kate: My father started his own accounting firm, and so I am doing a business accounting degree at University, with the hope of working with Dad and being able to look after the business while he enjoys his retirement on the golf course. He has worked really hard to build it up, and I would love to be a part of that.
I also would love to put something back into the sport of cycling. I am passionate about the sport, and cant imagine I will ever be able to completely walk away from it. Perhaps in junior development or such.
I want a family, a picket fence, and a dog as well!!!
What changes would you like to see in women’s professional cycling?
Kate: I think women’s professional cycling is starting to look pretty healthy. Certainly in the years I have been racing, the pro scene has come along way. The biggest issue that faces the sport is the massive divide between junior and amateurs up to elite. I would like to see more effort go into development, so that riders are prepared for the pro scene when they finally reach that level. Currently there is no in-between for riders to develop their skill levels and tactical minds. This can lead to stagnation at a young age when the step up is too big!
How do you handle the constant travel, pressures and pace of life as a pro?
Ina: the lifestyle gets a bit harder the older you get. I do enjoy being home more then i used to but traveling is part of my job and I
like getting around in the world. pressure is there but I think we athlete put sometimes more on ourselves then the people around us. it is not just the sponsor who like us winning races. we do love it as much or even more and so we put that pressure on us and train hard to achieve it.
Kate: For me, handling the lifestyle is about balance. I try to manage my time well, and give myself an element of control in what can seem a constantly changing surrounding. When I am traveling I always have my school books on hand or my music player charged up. I have turned into a bit of a techno geek, and my bags are full of cords and cables for my toys. So often I find myself riding in a new place and thinking ‘How cool is my life’. I see the most amazing places, meet some incredible people, and get supported in chasing my dreams. I know when I hang the bike up, I will look back at this time with a big smile on my face.
Kim: I am not working in a cubicle 40 hrs a week, I'm living my dream of being a Professional Athlete, so that in itself makes it easy. I also have a boyfriend that lives and races the same lifestyle so I always have an avenue to vent or share experiences. It's really tough when we are apart for weeks or months, thank goodness for Blackberry's and Internet.
If you weren’t a pro cyclist, what would you be doing?
Kim: I've often thought about this because I've grown so much as a person through this journey on a bike. Pre-cycling, I had no idea how cool the World was and what I was missing. At the very least, my eyes have been opened to travel and opportunities outside my once small views. I would probably be into Real Estate and restoring houses. Crazy, who knows!! Maybe I'd have my own bean fields and I'd be riding a donkey around with Juan Valdez picking coffee beans. hee. . he.e. . one can only dream so go big!!
Ina: maybe a social worker or a ski bum
!!!!Alex: Probably be cutting toenails.
Is there anything you want to ask the ladies? Drop us a line and we’ll get your questions over to the team. Or send over your congratulations-- Ina just won the Commerce Bank Triple Crown opening race in Lancaster PA this weekend!!
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