Fast, pretty and eager to become this year’s 4X World Champion – Anneke Beerten Interview

Congratulations on your first World Cup win in Vigo! Tell us, how did it go?

Thanks! It was a great night for me. I felt pretty good during practice, I knew my lines and I just had to ride aggressive. I got through my semi final, but that did not go without any trouble. In the final my gate was just perfect; I had a good timing and was just a wheel ahead of Jill Kintner who was on the inside of me. I closed the door in the first turn and from then on it was just a big blast riding down the course. I could not believe it… Finishing first!


Did you have a big celebration afterwards?

Just a little bit. After the podium and talking to the press I had to go to the drug test…and that took quite long. I got back to the hotel at 11:30, had dinner with my team while I was still wearing my gear and smelling like champaign from the podium!

How did someone from one of the flattest countries in the world, ever get into pro-level mountainbiking?

I started riding BMX when I was 3 years old. I raced BMX for a long time, and after winning two BMX world titles I was looking for a new challenge. I got in contact with a Dutch mountain bike team, because I heard that they were looking for a girl that wanted to try and race Downhill. They took me with them to a training camp…. That would be my first time riding down a mountain but I loved it from the beginning.


How would you describe yourself in a few words?

Organized, loyal, straightforward, honest.

What motivates you to continue to train and race on a professional level?

I always want to get the best out of myself; set goals and try to achieve them. It’s amazing to win races-it gives me a satisfying feeling.

What keeps you in shape –mentally?

I always try to think of the positive things in life. Racing can be mentally, really tough at times. You need to know yourself and believe in your abilities.

How do you get pumped up before a race?

I’ll start with a warm up on the trainer and will try to visualize the track and race in my head. Try to relax and focus on my goals.

Any music involved?

Most of the time yes, music is a big passion of mine. I worked in a music store for 5 years… so my collection got very big! Before a race I don’t like to talk too much, I prefer to be in my own world, focus and listen to music while doing my warm up.



During a 4x race; what skills, tricks, or training techniques give you an advantage over other competitors?

I think my skills for jumping and riding techniques in general are not too bad, so that helps a lot.

Did you ever have any doubts about pursuing a career in mountain biking?

A couple of years ago I was without a sponsor, I paid my own travelling for one whole season and told myself if I did not find a good sponsor after that season I would stop racing….but thank God I found a sponsor after that year.

Were you ever teased as a kid because of your participation as a girl in a male-dominated sport?

No never, most of the people supported me and thought is was really cool that I got to that level.

Does the lack of mountains in The Netherlands limit you in developing your downhill riding skills?


Yes it does. It’s hard for me to do Downhill in the wintertime. It’s expensive to travel in the winter and to get ready for a new season, so I always needed some race to get into my rhythm of riding Downhill. That’s why I decided to take a step back this season in DH and focus more on 4-cross and do some BMX races for fun.

Recently you’ve signed a contract with BikePark.ch / TUI and started riding Turner bikes. How do you like your new Turner 4X bike?

It’s an amazing bike, the moment I stepped on that bike it felt really good. Riding it was even better. The bike has a great geometry, it handles like I want it to.


Got any advice for all the kids that long for sponsorship?

Be yourself, work hard, pursue your dreams, work hard, set goals, work hard, but for the most part do what you want to do and have fun,…..….oh and work hard!

What’s the most ridiculous thing you ever bought?

A Language translator machine on the airplane. The word peanutbutter was not even translated in there!

Best food you've ever had?

I love a peanutbutter-jelly sandwich, but generally I like the Italian kitchen.

During your career as a professional biker you’ve travelled all around the world. Which country or region as an experience has made the most impact on you?

A lot of counties made an impression on me in some kind a way. Last year I really enjoyed travelling to New Zealand. Rotorura was host of the ’06 mountain bike world championships. I visited one of the Maori parks while I was there and that was really amazing.

You’ve been to Canada numerous times. How do you like it?

Canada is one of my favourite countries to travel to. I have good memories about a lot of places. My first trip was to Saskatoon when I was 15 years old and that was already a great experience, I won the World Championships for BMX there. Mont St. Anne has the best after parties of the whole world cup series. But my favourite spot is by far Whistler, that is a true bikers paradise, I just love everything about it, the people, the nature, the trails, it’s all so relaxed.

What do you find the biggest letdown in a man to be?


Uhmmm, I’d better keep that to myself.

How many times a day do you look in the mirror?

Now that I think about it, quite a lot-haha.


The worst job you ever had was…


I just had one real job so far… and that wasn’t a bad job. I worked in a Record store selling CDs, DVDs etc.!

When you have time off, what do you do?

Relax, watch a movie, work on my website, or ride my little MX minibike.


What other sports interest you, but that you don’t have time to practice?

I like to watch a whole lot of other sports. Speed skating is very big in Holland, when I was younger I did ice skating for fun. I also love watching athletes like the sisters Williams (tennis), Lance Amstrong, Valentino Rossi, they all stand out in the sport they do. These people really inspire me.

How would your life have looked like if you weren’t into cycling?

I have no clue to be honest… most likely I would still be involved in sports somehow.

Do you have any phrase you live by or a favourite quotation regarding your ideals that you'd like to share with the readers?

Respect and enjoy the things life is bringing you….

On a personal level, what has been one of the highlights in your life?


Being born.

What’s your plan to become number one in 4X this year?


I’ve been training hard over the winter; I know my weak points and worked hard to improve them. I hope all the hard work will pay off this season.


Please share with us some of your big future plans…!

I kinda live by the day at the moment, but I would love to stay in the sport and be involved in it, in some kind of way, set up a mountainbike school or become a soigneur. (Soigneur is a French word that means "one who cares for others.")

Anneke, thank you very much for having this interview!


If you’re interested in more about Anneke Beerten, check out her website: www.annekebeerten.com


Editor’s note:
Special thanks to Gabor Posta and Tyler Maine for their help and advice to make this happen!