Interview: Ina-Yoko Teutenberg (Team Columbia Women)

Interview with German Ina-Yoko Teutenberg of the Columbia Women's team. Teutenberg is one of the most successful riders of the 2008 season with over 20 victories.

Can you introduce yourself?
I am Ina-Yoko Teutenberg from Duesseldorf/Germany currently living in San Luis Obispo,CA

Why did you choose cycling as your sport?
I started riding at the age of 6 because my two older brothers did start riding so I wanted to do the same.

What kind of rider is Ina Teutenberg?
Sprinter and break aways


Ina-Yoko Teutenberg
Photo © 2008 Bart Hazen

Which hobbies do you have next to cycling?
Love hanging at good coffee shops and going hiking with the dog.

How do you look back on the 2008 season?
2008 was one of my best seasons personally and with the team as we pretty much achieved more then we did anticipate before the season

What performance/achievement you are the most proud of?
most memorable ones are the ones the plan works out perfectly and one of us wins the race. Lots of these moments happen during the years so it is hard to answer which one really sticks out.


On her way to win the final stage of the 2008 Profile Ladies Tour
Photo © 2008 Bart Hazen

How do you see the Columbia team ? and what do you think of the team for next year with the new arrivals?
I reckon we will have a good team for next season. We don’t get to many new riders (the ones who come are all really talented) and most of the riders are staying which is important as we know each other on the bike and don’t have to get used to each other again. Columbia is a great team and we get every support we need to win races.

What do you prefer the most in racing?
I do love the cobble classics. I always wish women's racing would have a Paris-Roubaix. I although like the long stage races like Tour de l’Aude and the Giro.

What race has been a favorite of yours?
Philadelphia is probably my favorite race as I love the crowds on the wall.


Sharing a laugh!
Photo © 2008 Bart Hazen

Who has inspired you, or currently inspires you to race. (Or in the present)?
Don’t have an answer to that. I do it because I love it and I am having fun doing it. There are certain people I am inspired by but no cyclist is in that list so they don’t really help me riding my bike.

How does your ideal preparation look like for the new season?
Resting up in my off season is one big part of the preparation. Relaxing another one and then the rest will happen. I do lots of cross training in November/December before I start my riding program in January.

What are your goals for the 2009 season? and if you don't mind…. long term career goals as a person and cyclist?
Goals stay pretty much the same every year. Trying to go out there and be competitive with the Team and achieving our goals which we will talk about at our first team meeting at the end of Nov. Long term goals...lots of ideas but nothing set in stones yet. All depends on how long I will keep racing as well.


Second in the Philly Classic behind team mate Chantal Beltman
Photo © 2008 Action Images

You were on Tom Schuler's historic Saturn team from 2001 through 2003 riding with some of the women's greats... looking back now how did that time in the team influence your career?
Saturn was my first professional team and with that came my move to the US so lots of things did change in my life during those years. It was great riding with such experienced bike riders and learning from hem for the rest of my career. I am fortunate to be in the same position with Team Columbia and hopefully passing my knowledge on to the younger girls.

Few may know you come from an illustrious family of pro riders with brothers Lars and Sven leading the way... were you inspired by your brothers success, and did they help you train Do you still ride and train with your brothers?
My brothers are a big part of my career. As the youngest of 3 I always tried to keep up with them and I am sure that has helped my whole career. There were times when they helped me with training but that’s a while ago.

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