Elena Bertolini
/
Italy
FOLLOW ME
Date of birth:
1986.11.03
Hometown:
Athens, Greece
Sponsors:
KRD,
Fox Head,
SPY optics,
Monster Energy,
FOX Racing Shox,
SCOTT,
Contour Cams,
SUUNTO,
WTB,
World Of Bike,
Hobbies:
Motocross, Dirt Jumps, Snowboarding, Playing the guitar with my woman
Favourite athletes:
Stelios Galatianos#103, James Stewart, Sam Hill, Jared Graves
BIO
I started riding bikes at a young age. Got my first mountain bike at the age of 16 and never stopped jumping it, riding it and drifting it around. I raced DH for the first time in 2006 with only 15 riders competing, I am lucky enough to witness the success of the sport in Greece and witness it growing while still trying to climb in the top step of the podium.
I love all aspects of mountain biking and I can enjoy a fast downhill run in a track, a long enduro ride in the mountains, a train with friends in the dirt jumps and a start gate in a 4X race.
My family owns a butcher shop in Athens.
I am also working as a journalist in MBike magazine and teach kids how to ride their bikes.
INTERVIEW
What are you looking for to accomplish?
Ride my mountain bikes as much as I can, inspire and introduce young riders to the sport, receive more boosts of excitement out of riding and visit great locations!
What would be your greatest achievement?
My win of the 2013 BMX National Championships on a really cheap, heavy, small BMX with flat tires!
What kind of difficulties does your sport’s performance involve?
I believe that the most difficult thing in downhill is to know your limits and why do you want to ride, if you lose the fun factor it becomes an endless run between trees, rocks and jumps that want to hit you hard! Know yourself and train according to your needs, trying to always have fun.
What makes you feel satisfied when performing your sport?
The unique connection you have with your bike, the nature elements that offer you endless situations to enjoy riding, big jumps and dusty corners.
Where do you practice your techniques when being alone?
I used to practice in a small forest out of my house door when I was a kid. I also remember myself trying to bunnyhop as many bricks possible and hucking stairs everywhere. I am now enjoying riding with friends and trying new things with great company.
What do you do during your training which is key to your success?
Having fun.
What are you most nervous about when competing?
I try not to feel nervous in the start of any race. Being nervous is no good, you have to know your moves before every finals run. Every f**** move!
Who would you say is your biggest fan and why?
I can’t favor anyone more because I have experienced great support from many people. I am grateful of this support and I just owe a big THANKS to my sponsors for all those amazing years of racing and riding and to my closest friends and relatives.
What is the best piece of advice you have been ever given?
You will not live a thousand years…Do what you want to do now.
What are your future plans?
Ride more,travel more, family.
What are your tips for those who begin now?
Decide what your passion is. Learn to do as many things possible with your bike (jumps, drops, wheelies, stairs, turns, cuties, drift, pumping) then ride every mountain you can using those techniques.
HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY?