Tanja got her BMX start in her early teens, after losing a bet with a BMX racer. She had to mount the thing and ride… and it’s been her love ever since. Motivated by her parents’ cycling passion from when  she was a kid, Tanja saddled onto mountain biking six years ago and lives by her motto, “Have fun cycling and enjoy it – for yourself! “ No role models though; “I do it my way,” she says. “Freedom’s my addiction – that’s what I yearn for every day I’m on my bike.”

Tanja is out for the thrill of the ride... and winning is an intoxicating side effect. Delighting in Down Hill, She’s a North Shore specialist, and a successful trainer in technique. Her pride and joy is Purple TaSte, a Free Ride training camp for girls (and women 18 to 40+) who love the thrill and challenge of the sport. Tanja’s best competitor is also her best friend, Steffi eTeltscher, trainer and MTB enthusiast herself, and co-founder of Purple TaSte.

Tanja’s Saddle

For competitions, Tanja’s favorite saddle is the Velo Senso VL-1501 Carbon, custom-made for her petite frame and weight – light, stiff and comfortable, the way she likes it. She especially likes the saddle’s fast dynamic form as fast as her bike.  Alternatively, she rides the Senso VL-1411 Carbon, streamlined and lightly padded for street and utility riding. Tanja’s bike is the Merida Freeride: “It works hard and looks good, is light, and you can’t brake it… so it makes me faster!

Tanja’s Life

Sometimes Tanja’s off her bike. Then, her sports are skiing, snowboarding, swimming and volleyball… after which she relaxes in the sauna, knits crazy caps and scarves, or cooks for friends.  Her music is hip hop and rock, and favorite bands Rise Against and H-Blockx. Her reading taste is bloodthirsty: Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight series. And she likes action in her choice of films: Bad Boys II with Will Smith.

Career Highlights