Lars Sternberg

How does FOX contribute to your success?
I wouldn't be able to do my job without FOX, period.

Tell us about your bike/vehicle setup.
I ride a Transition TR-450, size medium. I use medium weight springs on my FOX suspension, with a lot of high and low speed compression. My bike is equipped with Shimano Saint brakes and drivetrain, KORE bars stems and saddles, Crankbrothers wheels and pedals, Maxxis tires and tubes, ODI grips, e.thirteen chain device, Cane Creek headset, and Cadenceworks titanium hardware. The Transition Factory team travels in a 2008 Dodge sprinter with a trailer in the states, and a Fort Transit in Europe.

What else is in your garage?
I have a quiver of Transition bikes in the garage.

What's your training regimen?
I hit the gym three times a week in the off season, with a ton of XC. And during the season I ride a mixture of disciplines to assure my aerobic fitness, skills, and strength stays in tip top shape.

Any major injuries, and how did you recover?
Just last month I tore a ligament in my left thumb. I immediately had it surgically repaired by one of the most aggressive surgeons in the country. I am now in physio and am getting ready to be back on the bike hopefully this week. Thank you Dr. Ting!

What's your typical pre-race/event meal? Guilty pleasure?
PB & J's are always the ticket. However I'm becoming quite a fan of the old bagel with a bit of turkey, pepper jack, mustard, sprouts, and cilantro.

How do you determine which races or events to enter each year?
This year it is a bit different. Transition has put no pressure whatsoever on the team to enter any particular number or type of events. So we have the ability to pick the ones with the most media attendance, best atmosphere, and best courses.

What motivated you to get started professionally?
I started racing BMX in 1990. Once I started I never looked back. I turned A pro in 1996 and AA pro in 1998. I retired in 1999, and started racing Downhill in 2003.

What would you be doing if you weren't a professional athlete?
I would probably be some sort of engi-nerd.

What's the best thing about being a professional athlete?
I love to travel, and travelling is a requirement.

What other sports are you interested in?
I snowboard, and surf sometimes.

Any advice to the readers dreaming to turn pro?
Never give up.

What are your favorite magazines and websites?
Vitalmtb.com, transitionbikes.com, thenewboredom.com, and teamrobot.com

Are you a Mac or PC? PC

Greatest strength Determination