Ina-Yoko Teutenberg: Winner of the women's Giro

By Jarrod Patridge.

Q. Ina-Yoka, congratulations on your stunning ride at the Giro Donne. Four straight stage wins is unheard of! As you’re known more as a sprinter, was your Stage 3 individual time trial win a surprise to you?

 

Winning the tt was for sure a surprise. I know I can be close if it is short and flat so my goal was to keep the Maglia Rosa and I was surprised hearing that I won the whole thing.

 

 

Q. What did it mean to you to wear the Maglia Rosa while representing Team Columbia – HTC?

 

It is always a honour to wear a leaders jersey at any stage race. The giro is one of the biggest races in women cycling and has a lot of tradition so it makes it even more special.

 

 

Q. This year’s Giro Donne featured the famous climb up Stelvio, how did you find the climb?

 

I always have to fight for survival over the epic mountain days. Done lots of famous climbs in my cycling life so I am always just happy to make it up there. I would probably enjoy it more on a training ride where I don’t have to worry about time cut.

 

 

Q. Your Giro results follow on from some great form you have shown this year, can you tell us how you train to peak for certain races throughout the season?

 

This is to complex of a question to really answer. There are different periods of training during the year. Off season, pre season and then during the season. I do different things in the different periods and try to learn from mistakes to be better the next season.

 

 

Q. With the World Championships coming up in Geelong, will you tailor your race schedule to hopefully peak for this event?

 

I do try to be ready for Worlds this year. Does not differ from the past 2 seasons. As I said before I try to learn from mistakes and hopefully be in peak form in oz. 

 

Q. How did you get into racing, and how long was it before you picked up your first win?

 

I did my first bike race at the age of 6. My 2 older brothers did ride already so I wanted to do it as well. First race I crashed and that I will always remember. First win I am not so sure of but probably in that year or the following.

 

 

Q. Of all your stage, race, and national championship wins, which result gives you the most satisfaction?

 

Tour of Flandern

 

 

Q. What is the best thing about being a professional cyclist?

 

You pretty much do what you love to do and get paid for it. You always have goals and it keeps me motivated.

 

 

Q. For the young riders out there, can you give them any words of advice to help them chase their dream?

 

There will always be up and down during career. The lower times suck but they do make you stronger so just keep fighting during these times.

 

 

And finally...

 

Q. If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

 

Sushi first choice, Mexican second.