We need to get to know each other guys & gals!  From now on each newsletter will bring you a little bio on a St Kilda member.  To kick this off we’d like to introduce you to Raphael Freienstein!

About Raph:

I am 23 years old and come from Germany. My city’s name is Kaiserslautern which is about 100k away from Frankfurt. I am still at Uni back home and studying International Management through a special Bachelor programme for athletes.

In 2011 I came to Australia for the first time on a training camp. I stayed in Bendigo for a couple weeks and got to know my current team mate Sam Crome. Late last year I decided it was time for change and searched for a team in Australia. I contacted Leigh Parsons to check if he was interested in having an international rider on the team. I immediately felt safe with the Charter Mason team and Leigh gave me the impression that he would look after me. It was a big desicion and a greater challenge than I thought it would be. But I definitely have not regretted a thing.

 

When did you start cycling?

I started cycling when I was 4 or 5 and started racing when I was 10

 

Do you have a nickname?

Leigh gave me the nick name “slayer” don’t know why!? Haha!! But many call me just Raph or “The Kaiser”

 

What is your favourite climb/ride?

Favorite climb is probably Soller in Mallorca. Not to steep and many 180′ turns.  And favorite ride is back home in the Pfälzer Wald. Nice roads, hilly and not much traffic. I like to know the area where I train and back home I pretty much know every street with a radius from 100k.

 

What are your goals?

Cycling goal is to focus on becoming a pro as best as possible and to finish my Bachelor degree

 

What is your proudest accomplishment?

Biggest accomplishment was my bronze medal at the under 23 nationals last year.

 

What is your funniest/most embarassing moment on the bike?

At a crit race last year I was of the front solo coming down in a right turn with way to much speed. Still came third.

 

Who do you admire and why?

I don’t really have one person I admire but since coming to Australia I think I have come to admire Aussie cyclists. You guys are tough riders! Getting up so early and riding in every condition. I think I need to harden up a little bit more. What they always say to me is “#5” haha but that’s exactly why I came over here!

 

What is your biggest fear?

Biggest fear is to upset people.

 

What motivates you to work hard?

Working hard for the glory. “Pain is temporary, glory is forever” this slogan hits it pretty good.

 

If you could learn to do anything what would it be?

I’d say flying a plane so I can go wherever I want. Really enjoy traveling and seeing new places.