Judith Arndt

Judith Arndt - not a known paddler, but is renowned in the cycling world for her 2004 road world championship, silver medal in the Athens Olympic road race, and bronze medal in the Atlanta Olympic pursuit. Judith recently joined FCC to learn to paddle and to compete in the Murray Marathon. Judith racing at 'bay crits' this January. Photo: Judith Arndt

You recently completed the relay in the Murray marathon. Did you enjoy the race?

 I thought it was great! Especially the first day, when it was so windy and there was so much bumpy water. I felt very adventurous!

I was very excited for the Murray Marathon, and also a bit nervous, because I am a very inexperienced paddler. But Alex was great, and I always felt very safe with him.I expected a few more people doing the event.

 How long have you been paddling?

 I started last year in October. After my cycling season was over, I knew I had to learn how to paddle very fast, since Anna had entered me for the Murray. But I was a bit afraid of learning something new, so I kept postponing the start of it all. But once I got started, I pretty much liked it straight away. I did a lot of paddles in a double with Anna and Alex, and I also took some lessons with Marg.

When you are not paddling what do you do? 

 Im a professional cyclist. My team is called HTC-Highroad, its based in the US. So I basically travel the whole world (well mainly Europe) participating in bike races. When I am not travelling, I still have to ride my bike for training almost every day.

 What are your achievments and highlights so far with your cycling?

 I went to 4 Olympic Games, and won 2 medals (bronze in 1996 and Silver in 2004). I was World Champion twice (1997 and 2004), and won 13 Silver- and Bronze medals at World Championships. In 2008 I also won the World Cup Overall.

 Where is your next cycling race and how can we follow your team?

 My next cycling race will be the 2011 WOMEN'S TOUR OF NEW ZEALAND ( 23 - 27 February 2011 ).

You can follow my team on twitter (http://twitter.com/HTCHighroad), or facebook (http://www.facebook.com/highroadsports). Our official website is www.highroadsports.com.

 Any comments about the sport of canoeing - compared to bike riding?

 Some things are the same. In both sports you have to be a unit with your equipment. In both sports you find "drafting" (sit on the wash is like riding in the slipstream). They are both endurance sports. One big difference is that in canoeing you have to use your whole body (all the muscular chains) to perform, whereas in cycling you are meant to keep your upper body still and just use the legs. What I really enjoy about canoeing ist, that it takes place in nature. I find that very relaxing. There is no car traffic, no rush. Its just the river and you, and its nice and quiet.

 What is a typical days training (on the bike)

 Training in cycling always takes a long time, usually at least 3hrs. It can take up to 7 or even 8 hrs, when you do endurance training, which means a long steady ride with low heart rate. Since training is always more fun in a group, you try to find training partners who match your own training philosophy and your speed. You meet them in the morning and spend half the day riding with them. Most cyclist also share a strong affection for bakerys or coffee shops...

 English is not your first language - where are you from. Why are you in Australia

 I am from Germany. I am here to be with Anna, and for the wonderful Melbourne weather of course!

We have a few German speaking club members - any message in Deutsch?

 Ich vermisse deutsches Bier! ;-)

 Other sports and hobbies

 Cycling, running, soccer, cross country skiing, playing chess, reading, hiking, travelling

 Future plans?

 Two more years of professional cycling - my main goal will be a medal at the London Olympics. After that I better find a proper job, and try to get permanent residency for Australia.

 Funny things that have happened since started paddling?

 Well, Anna thinks its funny when I fall in trying to paddle a K1. But I don't find that all that funny. Maybe its funny when I'm sitting in grab distance to the landing for 15mins because I am too scared to paddle away.

 Any other comments about FCC and canoeing?

 I feel very comfortable at the club, I really like going there. People are very friendly and very supportive. Since I started with paddling I don't really feel like I want to ride my bike anymore. I don't know if that's a good thing, though.