a conversation with...

  The Mobel Sport - Cycle Sierra Nevada Scholarship was developed as a way to sponsor young cyclists that may not have opportunity or financial capacity to avail of a cycling training camp. In this section we take 5 minutes for a quick chat with one of the applicants selected for the 2017 program.

Sigurd Salberg Pedersen - norway

Who are you?

I am 19 years old MTB and road cyclist living in Lillehammer, Norway.

What team do you ride for?

Lillehammer Cycling Club - MTB Elite Team

Why did you start cycling?

Since I was a little boy, I have been testing sports like football, handball, running, cross country skiing and biathlon. I competed in biathlon and cross country skiing until I was 16, but today its all about cycling.

Have you any sporting backgrounds apart from cycling?

During the winter period I used to do ice skating for two years. I enjoyed it, but I preferred cycling and decided to quit ice skating and continue road racing and cyclo-cross.

What type of cyclist are you? Do you compete in other disciplines, other than road cycling?

I am mainly a XCO mountain biker, but I also compete on the road when I have the possibility. The last years I have also tested some enduro MTB racing. I am a lightweight rider who loves long climbs and hilly terrain.

Favourite piece of cycling equipment/kit?

High quality clothing made for bad weather. It makes it possible to have a comfortable ride in the Norwegian climate.

Your greatest achievements on a bicycle?

My junior XCO national title in 2015 is a highlight in my career, so far...

Your favourite professional cyclist? (past and present)

Peter Sagan and MTB rider Julien Absalon

Most memorable moment/stage win from professional cycling?

Andy Schleck winning stage 18 of the 2011 Tour de France.

Your favourite stage race and one day race? Why?

Tour de France - The highlight of each summer, and it makes me spend way too many hours in front of the TV.

World Championship - Different course each year, and national teams makes it unpredictable and exciting.

What's your current favourite music album/song?

Gavin DeGraw - She Sets The City On Fire

Tell us something we don’t know about you already and you don’t mind the general public knowing?

I have lived in 6 different places.

Hopes and plans for the future?

MTB world champion. Olympic MTB champion. Winning the Tour de France...

That's the plan at least...