Henri Lesewitz bought his first mountain bike on the day of monetary union thanks to the "Westmark". That was in the summer of 1990, pretty much at the same time as the American Ned Overend became the first world champion in biking history in Durango. More than two decades later, a big dream came true for Lesewitz. He spent a day in Durango with the hero of his youth. You can read the Overend portrait in BIKE 02/2013, available from 8 January 2013 at newsstands.
Short portrait Ned Overend
Ned Overend's career is an unparalleled success story. And it is still going strong. Even at the age of 57, the racing oldie is still competing in races with a professional licence.
Vita: Ned Overend was born in Taiwan on 20 August 1955 and spent his early years living in Ethiopia and Iran. His father worked for the US embassy. Via the detours of trail running, triathlon, BMX, motocross and road cycling
he came to biking in 1983. He won the first official mountain bike world championship in 1990. Six national titles and five World Cup victories followed. After his CC career, he won the legendary X-Terra cross triathlon twice.
Job: Ned Overend works as Vice Head of Marketing for his former sponsor Specialized. He develops PR concepts and looks after athletes. He also tests prototypes. Preferably on the trails around Durango, of course.
