Amber Neben, professional cyclist, took time out of her busy schedule today to visit my school. My first impression was that she is tiny! Maybe 5’4″ and 110 pounds, maybe, in WET clothes. She brought 8×10 photos and signed them for all the teachers, she signed water bottles and slips of paper, she high-fived the kids, she encouraged them to ride and asked one kid if he could ride a “wheelie”. My students were incredibly respectful and very impressed. She brought her time trial bike and showed the kids how it worked, the how’s and why’s of the disc wheels, the handlebars, and she demonstrated how she sits in the bike to get really Aero. One of the questions from several students was “how many yellow jersey’s do you have?” She said she didn’t know,too many to count! We have a VERY diverse student body, so when she talked about the Olympics, two girls were saying “we are from China!” When she talked about racing in France, another one is asking “where” cause she is from France!
Her background? California Native. Grew up playing soccer and running. She’s one of those women who has been an athlete in her heart since birth. When she couldn’t run anymore, she switched to Mountain Biking and participated in Collegiate Nationals in 1998. (I was at first excited about this cause I went to Collegiate Nationals too- except I went in ’97 for Road Cycling- the year there was a BLIZZARD.)
Plan for 2009: Win Redlands and then fly to Europe to race for several months. Good luck, Amber! We will be routing for you. She is racing for Nurnberger/Shoair with a composite team in Redlands. Three German teammates will be with her plus Ann Guzman and Lauren Hall.
Photos from the event:
Me, my kid and Amber demonstrating how to change gears.
Me and Amber
Have any questions for Amber or women cyclists? I do. I wanted to ask what it’s really like racing in Europe. And if they are really earning an income or if they are just paid to race, so to speak. Do they have planned potty breaks or they just don’t go when racing?? I remember hearing Jeanne Longo never allowing a break but have heard the peloton has at times done a planned stop in the middle of a field…
6 responses so far ↓
1 Jonathan Aluzas // Mar 25, 2009 at 5:21 am
No questions, just a comment. I think it’s spectacular when accomplished athletes take the time to share their experiences and knowledge with kids, and make the choice to be a positive role model. In this day and age when many high profile athletes seem to take their success for granted, Amber is an example of integrity. Thanks to both of you.
Jonathan Aluzass last blog post..Quick Tip: Skip Breakfast If You Want to Stay Fat
2 Shannon // Mar 25, 2009 at 10:38 am
I would of asked, what is the worse injury you had to recover from. I love to hear “war” stories from people with that much grit and athleticism.
Shannons last blog post..First Race of Many to come….
3 RunToFinish // Mar 25, 2009 at 1:38 pm
wow how very exciting!! I just really admire people who are willing to give back… I would probably ask something about injury prevention…uh cause that’s all that’s on my brain!
RunToFinishs last blog post..FitNutz, ArcTrainer and SWEETS OVERLOAD
4 ttfn300 // Mar 29, 2009 at 12:05 am
that is so cool! I really need to learn some basic bike maintenance… any ways on the best way to do this?
ttfn300s last blog post..Choc Hazelnut Gelato
5 Stephanie // Mar 30, 2009 at 7:51 pm
She sounds like an inspiring person! What a wonderful experience for the kids at your school…
I love the V-neck shirt you are wearing, by the way.
Stephanies last blog post..On Our Way To A Paperless Life
6 News Flash…Peanut Butter and Co has a Women’s Cycling Team!! // Mar 24, 2010 at 4:26 am
[...] volunteer/spectator/parent during the Redlands Classic. Last year, I had the privilege of meeting Amber Neben and I am always excited to support women’s racing in my [...]
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