Carsten Bresser is living his dream.
Whether at home in Germany or in the rugged landscapes of South Africa, the twice Olympic representative certainly knows how to enjoy life.
After a professional mountain biking career spanning over a decade, the amiable Geman has continued to compete at a high level in a variety of sports, including mountain bike stage racing, marathon running and triathlon. A regular visitor to South Africa, Bresser was back in the country recently competing in the ABSA Cape Epic with German cyclo-cross star Hanka Kupfernagel.
“We had a lot of fun,” says Bresser of his pairing with the multi-talented Kupfernagel. “Hanka got stronger and stronger has the Epic progressed and it was a great experience for her.”
Hailing from south-western Germany, Bresser owns and runs a bike shop together with Klaus Dietrich. Located in a region renowned for its vineyards and forests, Bresser acknowledges the ideal setting and terrain for his love of cycling and running. Not so ideal though is the European winter, which makes preparation for an eight-day trek in the heat of the South African summer somewhat challenging. Not that this poses a problem for Bresser as sport these days plays a different role in his life.
“Preparing for a race like the Epic is not so easy for a full time working guy. The professional riders go to training camps in the sun whilst I prepare in very cold conditions at home.”
Much of Bresser’s preparation is scheduled around his day job, with daily cycle commuting forming the backbone of his training volume. With his current racing programme much-curtailed in comparison to that of his professional years, weekends are spent with his family.
“I've had great success in the Master’s category in the past but would have no chance competing with the elite riders. Sport is an important part of my life, but not the most important.”
Many sporting professionals cease exercise completely upon retirement. Years of pressure and competition leave them burnt out, both mentally and physically, the sheer love of the game long since forgotten. For Bresser though, being a professional cyclist meant more than just a pay-check, and this is evident in his continued passion for new challenges.
“I love all kinds of sports,” he explains. “In Sydney and Athens, I saw so many great athletes in the Olympic village. Professional sport was always more than just a job for me. Now that my time in the pro ranks has passed, I've got the opportunity to participate in other disciplines around the world.”
Well known for his exploits on two wheels, Bresser is perhaps less known for his prowess as a runner. Realizing that he had great potential on foot, the multi-talented German certainly underlined his running talent with a 2hr24 performance in Frankfurt. With several former professional cyclists having tried their hand over the standard twenty six miles, odds are good that Bresser’s marathon best is perhaps top of the retired pro flock. Not that he is resting on his laurels though.
“My dream has always been to compete at the Hawaii Ironman,” says Bresser of his next challenge. “This dream has become a reality after finally qualifying at Panama City last year. So in 2015 I have two highlights: the Cape Epic and Ironman Hawaii.
“And that is enough for an old guy like me!”
