Lene Byberg
Name: Lene Byberg
Date Of Birth: 25th November, 1982
Hometown: Sandnes, Norway
Nationality: Norwegian
Nickname: Susi calls me blondie!
Weight: 57 kilos
Height: 171cm
Pulse Range: 35-200
Hobbies: Movies, hiking, horse riding (I had horses when I was younger)
Other Sports: Handball
You are Specialized’s new signing for 2007. What does it feel like to be part of the team?
Oh it is great. I am really excited and I am looking forward to starting with all of the important races. It is also cool to be riding such a good full suspension bike. I have never ridden full suspension before, but I am really liking it.
What Specialized bikes do you ride and race?
A women’s specific Specialized Epic for Crosscountry racing. I have the women’s specific Specialized Ruby road bike which I like.
What's your favorite food?
Mexican or Indian food.
Do you have family?
I have an apartment close to my parent’s farm and I have a younger brother. Both of us are no longer living at home, so it is quiet on the farm now! My grandparents also have a house on the farm too.
Who are some of the most important and influential people in your life and career?
My parents have been helping me all of the time and really wanted to support me in doing this, without ever putting pressure on me. From the start to where I am now it would have been much harder without my parents.
Of course Gunn Rita is a rider I really admire, but she is also such a good person and she helps and guides me a lot. I consider myself to be very fortunate.
Susi is in the background during this interview and is begging to be asked which male rider I admire the most ……. For now I will leave him guessing!!!!
Any hobbies outside of cycling?
I like travelling which I am lucky to say is a big part of what I do. Like any girl what goes with that is some good retail therapy. Sometimes I really burn the VISA!
If you weren't a pro mountain biker, what would you be?
I would be working with people. I like helping people and being around people. I am qualified to be a medical assistant.
Favourite Place to Ride?
There are so many nice places. I really like The Mont St Anne course. It is technical and hard, which suits me. Still there are many places left to explore for riding, but places that stand in my mind are mountain biking in Stellenbosch, South Africa and road riding at home in Norway is good too. The bad weather in Norway makes me tough.
What has been your best riding experience?
Fifth place in Madrid in 2005. I came from nothing, nobody knew who I was and I had a big fight with Fullana to come fifth, which was really special. I gained a lot of respect from the field after that. My goals for that season were maybe to come top 20 in a race!
And the worst?
There are always some races where I have such a bad day. Helene my team mate from last year and I were racing in Roc D’Azur. Helene my team mate put the alarm on snooze and we woke up with less than one hour before the start! That was a nightmare but we made the start!
Where's your favourite place to travel?
As with riding I have lots of places left to explore. I actually enjoy going back home after periods on the road. I also like warm climates and Stellenbosch, South Africa really impressed me. We had a team training camp there in March.
What kind of music's on your iPod, cd player, whatever?
Oh I have very mixed music. It’s like everything from old to new. Bobby asked me last night what famous international people came from Norway and I mentioned Ah-Ha, who are a great band.
What is the best part of racing?
The relaxed life and to be out in nature and not sitting in an office everyday from 8-4.
What are your biggest strengths on the bike?
I have a good finish. I am definitely strong at the finish and I can manage the distance. I still have a lot to learn and to improve on in climbing.
Any advice to beginners?
Just to have fun and enjoy your sport and not be too serious too early. If you get too serious in a young age, you will end up moving away from the sport.
What's your best idea of having good time?
Some wine, beer and a good laugh with friends!
Why do you ride?
I do not want to sit in an office with a doctor!!!
What does your typical day consist of?
Wake up breakfast, training and then if I am home just doing other things at home like emails and meeting friends.
In terms of training how much do you do?
I can do anything from 10-25 hours per week depending on the time of year and the focus of my training. I like the harder pacing sessions, especially motor pacing or pacing behind a scooter.
Are you strict with your diet? Any there are diet plans that you follow?
I am strict, but not in the winter time. I like to eat healthy, with normal Norwegian food.
You are representing “Designs For Women” with Specialized. What does this mean and what are your thoughts?
It is so cool. Everything is designed specifically for women, with nice colours and designs for women. The comfort is better and the sizing is suited to me. In the past girls were always left with the “too big jersey” or some other hand over from the guys. Well it is nice to see Specialized putting such emphasis and effort into the women’s side of cycling, which is really big.
My pink race gear is so nice and I have matching bike, shoes, gloves, helmet ….! I definitely stand out and lots of people have commented on the new Specialized look. I am so proud to be Specialized’s representative for “Designs For Women”. It really is a huge honour.
Career Highlights:
- Selection for Olympics with road racing (Athens, 2004)
- 7th Overall World Cup Series 2006
Detailed Career Results:
2007:
01. Norwegian Championships
03. Olympic Test Event, Beijing, China
08. World Championships, Fortwilliam, Scotland
08. Mt St Anne World Cup, Canada
10. Saint Felicien World Cup, Canada
2006
01. Norwegian XC Championships
01. Norwegian Marathon XC Championships
07. Overall World Cup Series
05 Spa World Cup, Belgium
05. Fortwilliam World Cup, Scotland
06. Madrid World Cup, Spain
08. Curacao World Cup, Holland
