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The Jimena Florit Diary
The 2002 NORBA series champion is one of the most widely-liked riders on the mountain bike circuit with a positive attitude as big as her racing talent.
As well as a repeat of her 2002 series victory, Jimena's 2003 goals include working toward qualification for the 2004 Athens Olympics where she hopes to ride as a US citizen.
2003 entries
- November 14: Jimena's end of season wrap up
- July 27: Fresh powder day
- July 12: Not quite perfect at Grouse Mountain
- June 29: Hot and bothered at Mont St Anne
Profile and interview
- Jimena Florit interview - Striving for perfection
Jimena In her own words
"Tell us a little about yourself," we said when we asked 2002 NORBA series champion Jimena Florit to contribute a diary to Cyclingnews. Here's what this likeable, super-positive Argentinean has to say about her life, sports and likes.
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I race mountain bikes for the RLX-Ralph Lauren team and I have represented my native country, Argentina at World's, PanAm Games and Olympics.
Since 1999 I have lived in San Diego, California. I've been happily married to John Dolzadelli since November 10 2001.
I am all about giving. I love animals and kids. I ride with my helmet ON all the time and I don't like people that cheat or lie.
I don't dance Tango, but I eat red meat at least once a week.
I like Santana, Queen and Shania Twain , but also like Classical (Vivaldi), folk and Cumbia (Argentinean).
I play Scrabble with my team-mates or whoever is up to a match, and doesn't mind if they lose to a foreigner.
I love my job and all the things that the sport brings to me. I have been doing this job since '94, and enjoyed every minute of it.
I was initially inspired to do this sport by posters and videos of NORBA races, with Juli Furtado, Ned Overend, John Tomac and Tinker Juarez, with whom I later shared over four years of my life.
My first international podium was at the PanAm Games in 1995, with Alison Sydor and Juli Furtado (yes, heaven was at my fingertips). But that doesn't make me "Old School" like Travis, Alison, Wiens, and so on.But hey, being Old School is cool. I will get there.
Right now I am in the hunt for those valuable UCI points to qualify for the 2004 Olympics. There are a lot of girls with the same idea, so the competition is harder and harder each year. As you get faster, the competition doesn't get any easier Go figure; silly me for thinking it would.
My team-mates
This is my fifth season representing the RLX team and I feel very lucky. Not only for actually getting paid to do what I love most, but for the group of people I get to hang out, train and share this experience with: Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski (known to everyone as JHK), the XC US National Champ, who is one of the most well-balanced riders in the world. No matter what happens, he keeps perspective and priorities into place. He is an amazing athlete and person - funny and super-smart.
Willow Koerber is new in our team this year, and she's like a little sparkle. Lots of energy, talent to spare and FUN.
Carl Swenson is the most mellow rider in the team till he sits down to dinner - he can eat like no other person does! He is also a US Ski Team member, the best cross-country skier in the US. He gets off his skis in March, and jumps on his bike to race Sea Otter.
And to finish, our team manager and teammate Dave Wiens, rocks on and off the bike. He's the best manager, because he knows exactly what we need, he has been there and hasn't forgotten...
So this is me, and my team.
See you at the races!
Happy hugs,
Jimena
