It all started with two wheels
From the first exhilarating pedal strokes as a child to the challenging climbs and thrilling descents of today, my love for cycling has grown into a lifelong passion. Cycling, to me, is more than just a sport; it’s a journey of self-discovery, adventure, and endless exploration. The wind in my hair, the rhythm of the pedals, and the ever-changing landscapes have become the backdrop to some of my most profound experiences and memorable moments. Whether it’s the competitive rush of racing, the serenity of long-distance touring, or the rugged excitement of mountain biking, cycling has always been my gateway to new horizons and a source of inspiration. Join me on this ride as we explore the world through the lens of two wheels and the enduring spirit of cycling.
A journey through time
400km in 17 hours: my longest ride ever
Always wanting to push myself to my limits, I embarked on an epic 400km cycling adventure with a friend of mine. This incredible journey challenged me both physically and mentally, and it’s a ride I’ll never forget. Check out my Strava post to follow our route.
Tour de DHBW
An awesome team of students organized the Tour de DHBW, taking us through beautiful landscapes as we visited the different DHBW campuses. Read more about this unforgettable journey in my blog post or follow the trip on Instagram.
My first road race: the Jedermann Tour
After multiple years of XC mountain bike racing, I wanted to try something new, spontaneously deciding to participate in the 120km Jedermann Tour. The race took me through picturesque landscapes and finished up in my backyard in Stuttgart. Follow the route on Strava.
Celebrating finishing high school: a 325km ride
To celebrate my graduation during Covid, I set my targets on circling the San Francisco Bay Area by bike. A memorable way to transition to the next chapter of my life, this accomplishment let me see the bay area like never before. Check out the journey on Strava.
Last race before Covid
Although I didn’t know it then, March 2020 marked my last competitive XC mountain biking race before the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Crushing my first race of the season with 9th place in the Junior-Varsity (JV) category, I was distraught not to be able to continue racing, making this a bittersweet memory.
NICA Specialized Student-Athlete Leadership Award
In May 2019, I was honored for my outstanding leadership, sportsmanship, academic performance, and dedication to my community as a student-athlete by the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA)
My first JV race!
Starting a new racing season in a higher category was met with baited breath and nerves. I remember being awestruck with how fast the JV riders were when I was still a sophomore. Now in the faster category, I had to live up to the expectations and “leave it all on the trail.”
Epic alpine adventure
Following in my father’s footsteps, this two-day bikepacking trip sparked my enthusiasm for long-distance cycling. Taking me through 4 different countries on day 1, I tasted the sweet feeling of fulfillment after riding 200km, ending my day in the Swiss alps. The next day ended early after throbbing knee pain caused by pedalling my heavily-laden bike up the alps forced me to stop.
My first race!
After joining the AHS Cougars, I began my XC mountain biking racing journey in February 2018. Taking place in Fort Ord, this race introduced me to the thrill of competition filled with team spirit, electric atmosphere, and stories to last a lifetime.
Discovering my love for competitive cycling
After my life was turned upside down after moving continents to California, I sought a people with similar interests. After coincidentally meeting one of the riders of the AHS Cougars XC racing team, I lost track of time chatting about our shared love for cycling. After that conversation, I was in!
Pedaling beginnings
Taking after my father, my love for cycling began at the tender age of 4, sparking a lifelong passion for the sport that continues to inspire and drive my cycling adventures today.
My Bikes
Canyon Grizl 7 - My ultimate All-Rounder
The all-rounder gravel bike has been my companion on longer tours. Designed for versatility and adventure, I rode this bike for the Tour de DHBW, a 550 km ride across Baden-Württemberg that challenged my endurance and skills. Now, after dipping my toes into the wonderful world of bikepacking, the reliable Grizl 7 remains my choice of bike for the job.
Trek Equinox - The Transformed Time Trial Machine
The Trek Equinox started as a dedicated time trial bike but underwent a transformation to suit my road racing needs. I replaced the tri bars with road bars, making it an excellent choice for road races like the Jedermann Tour in 2022. This bike’s aero design, carbon fiber frame, and efficient drivetrain provide the speed and agility required for competitive road cycling.
S-Works Stumpjumper - Conquering the trails
My first fully-carbon mountain bike took me to 9th place in my last XC mountain bike racing season with the AHS Cougars. Crafted with a full carbon frame, this high-performance machine is incredibly lightweight, agile, and is a dream to ride on any trail, from smooth and flowy to steep and technical
Cannondale Lefty - Embrace Uniqueness
My very first mountain bike is a standout among mountain bikes, thanks to its unique Lefty fork design. This exceptional fork, found exclusively on Cannondale bikes, provides unmatched stiffness and responsiveness. It’s a one-sided, single-crown suspension fork that not only looks distinctive but also delivers superior performance.
