Getting to Know - Veronique Sandler
Veronique Sandler
Veronique, who recently signed with Marin Bikes, keeps the stoke high. Whether it's a jump session or smashing some corners, the Kiwi spends as much time as possible on her bike. To Veronique, mountain biking is a dream job and it definitely shows through her positive attitude and the incredible talent she brings to the sport. We're looking forward to seeing her continue to progress. 
Describe yourself.
Just a Kiwi girl who lives in the UK and loves riding bicycles as much as humanly possible.
Where are you from and where do you live?
I'm from NZ but I live in Bristol, UK now and have for the past 3 years!
Who do you ride for?
I ride for Marin Bikes, Troy Lee Designs/ Saddleback, Stans, Vee Tire CO, Deity Components and Hope Tech, Five Ten and Crankbrothers.
What bikes are you riding right now?
Right now I spend most of my days on my Marin Attack Trail 8. It's pretty much dialed to ride anything in the UK - Enduro, downhill, big jumps, etc!
You joined the 2018 Marin Bikes team recently. How did that come about?
I rode a Marin last year whilst riding for Wideopen Mag and I loved the bike so I had a chat with them about officially riding for them this year and they were keen for it! Pretty stoked on the set up we have going on.
What does a typical day look like for you?
At the moment I enjoy cooking a big breakfast with scrambled eggs, tomatoes, onions, and avocados, and then heading out with a good group of friends to session some jumps or corners all day long until everyone is knackered. It's not something I did back in NZ and I'm loving the big sessions over here!
What are your strengths?
Ah, mostly just getting outside and having a sick time on my bike, but my background is downhill so I'm pretty into steep techy stuff and jumps.
What are your weaknesses?
Dirt jumps. I've never really had a proper go at them and I've just got a sick new jump bike so I'm hyped to do some more and learn new skills!
What’s been your worst crash over the years?
I've been pretty lucky not to have too many injuries (touch wood) but I did have a pretty savage one at a NZ national a few years back where my head collided with a tree pretty bad and had me out of action for a while. The tree was fine though!
Where’s your favorite place to ride?
There are two spots in South Wales that I could happily ride for the rest of my life. Black Mountains Cycle Centre is sick for laps and big jumps, and Tirpentwys is amazing for turns. I've had so many amazing times at both places!
Do you have any big projects or trips planned for 2018?
I have a number of video and media projects planned for this year which I'm super hyped for. Mostly I'll be sticking to Europe and the UK, but I'd like to go back to NZ for a few weeks too. I've not been back for about 3 years!
Who or what inspires you?
Anyone who turns up to a session with a smile on their dial and gets stoked on seeing others send it. It's always the best feeling when a big crew of you are all stoked on seeing each other progress and encouraging each other to send it.
What do you enjoy doing away from bikes?
Anything to do with the outdoors goes good. I enjoy rock climbing, hiking and camping. Drawing is something I've taken up recently too which I really enjoy and I do it whenever I have a spare minute.
What’s your favorite non-bike website?
I quite like Netflix! There’s some pretty funny stuff to watch on there on a rainy English night. Brooklyn 99 always goes good.
Who’s your favorite rider?
Hmm... there are so many effortlessly stylish riders that I can't pick! It might sound cringey, but my brother Leo is one of my favorites for sure. He kills it on a bike.
What’s your favorite motto or saying?
YOLO!
What annoys you?
Traffic in the UK.
What makes you happy?
Riding bikes, good people, good music, and food.
If you weren’t a pro mountain biker, what would you be doing?
I was supposed to go to uni and become a physio, but once I went to Europe and raced one season it's all I've wanted to do since. So I'd probably be a physio!
Where do you think the future of freeride is headed?
Ooh... I don't know! I'm hoping we see more ladies sending it and getting amongst the freeride side of things though!
How do you want to be remembered?
Hopefully as someone who enjoyed life and brought a smile to some people's faces.
What does the future hold for Veronique Sandler?
My plan for this year (travelling, racing here and there, and shooting cool videos) is basically my dream job at the moment so hopefully, you'll find me doing loads more of that in the future!
MENTIONS: @MarinBikes @troyleedesigns @deityusa @crankbrothers
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IMO Bristol is better than living in Auckland where you have to drive to get to any decent trail, but I do miss fish and chips on the local beach.
"Myself."