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  Athletes' stories and experiences

  My occupational career started with my studies of biology and the following doctoral program. To create a work/life balance I started running in March 1996 – at the age of 27. To be more precise I chose Marathon! In October 1996 I run my first Marathon with a time of 3:45. In December I graduated from my doctoral program receiving best grades and a distinction. Seven year later I came close to the Marathon minimum time of 3 hours.

  Then a body blow: In October 2004, I had a herniated vertrebal disk and could not longer run. But every cloud has a silver lining... In 2005 I exchanged my running shoes for a mountain bike and noticed that, although I had always loved running, I loved mountain biking even more. I was totally into it.

  In 2006/2007 I got pregnant. During my really uncomplicated pregnancy I rode my bike a total of 6000 km. And after I gave birth in September, it took me only two weeks until I started riding my bike again – with my daughter lying in a special bike trailer.

  The hard training was worth it: in September 2008 I became amateur world champion (long-distance) and received a sponsorship. I could defend the title in 2009.
  In 2010, at the age of 41, my dream finally came true: I was on the new-founded but best team that you can imagine: "FELT ÖTZTAL X-BIONIC". Best bikes, best clothing and a perfect team support. And all the precious sweat that had taken me there flowed into my high-tech underwear " X-BIONIC® Energy Accumulator®". Turns sweat into energy... the name says it all. The most important victory of my career was the second place at Transalpchallenge 2010.

  In the beginning of 2011, I decided that it wasn't too late for a crazy mission and took part in the Fulda-Challenge in the Arctic. Crazy idea. I only survived thanks to my Energy Accumulator® Extra Warm. With it, I could move outside without a jacket, even at -52°C.
  After an excellent training camp with the FELT ÖTZTAL X-BIONIC Team on Cypress, I was extremely motivated and was looking forward to the new season. It went well: 18 racing days, 17 times on the podium and once in the top ten (Transgermany).

  And in 2012, I will attack again. With X-BIONIC®, high spirits and hopefully in the middle of the podium!

  Natascha Binder