Emilia Fahlin (Sweden) 20. Emilia is the youngest member on the team and was brought onto the team in '07 as a development rider after she showed some definite talent as a junior.

Over the last two seasons she has risen to the challenge and learned a lot from the team. She is developing into a world class sprinter and recently showed off her sprinting ability in the Amgen Tour of California Criterium where she beat a strong field to win her first race for 2009.

In 2008 she prematurely achieved a longer-term dream to become Swedish Champion and in 2009 she will proudly wear the Swedish National Champion colours. Her goal for 2009 is to continue to develop as a bike rider and more specifically, to do well in the European Championships.

2008 Victories

• National Road Champion of Sweden
  
• 3rd place Santa Rosa Grand Prix
• 1st place Merced Criterium
• 1st place Merco Cycling Classic Road Race
• Stage win Redlands Bicycle Classic

"There are a lot of smaller parts which all really attract me to the sport of cycling. The speed, the feeling of freedom, the challenge and all those put together makes bike riding unbeatable. There isn't a better feeling than coming home totally exhausted after a really hard training or race."

 

• What are you doing when you're not cycling?

Sleeping in, spending time with my friends, shopping, skiing, or snowboarding.

• What do you like about riding for Team Columbia-HTC Highroad?

How well organized everything is and the great support I get from my teammates, and being able to learn from the best, world-class riders, who just happen to be my teammates!

• What is your greatest childhood memory on 2 wheels?

Playing around in the backyard with my friends, pretending our bikes where a Flintstone car!

• How did you get into cycling?

Well when my brother quit cycling, I had to finally try it so my dad could go to the races again..

• What has been your biggest challenge as a pro cyclist?

Coming straight from the national junior racing to this team has been a challenge. Also, having to learn all the tactics and how to work within a team.

• Share a memorable pro career moment:

When I got to ride in the white, best young rider jersey in Toscana after we won the TTT. It's a time like that when you really realize this really is a team sport.

•  What is your most embarrassing moment?

A stupid crash which was also caught on film.....

• What is the last song you listened to before you turned off your Ipod/Zune?

Kids- Mgmt

• What is your favorite comfort food?

Swedish Candy!

• What can someone do that really bothers you?

Not pay attention!