In a sport predominantly ruled by men, it's very inspirational to see a strong female presence both on and off the racetrack. KTM's Maria Forsberg not only holds her own on a dirtbike as the current points leader in the Women's class, but she also manages to balance a 40 hour work week, training, traveling on the weekends and her latest soon-to-be role: a newlywed. We caught up with the lady of GNCC as she puts the final touches on her wedding that's only four days away before heading back east for round 5 of the GNCC Series.
Photo By: Shan Moore
Forsberg is a fierce competitor but a sweetheart off the track
Maria: Good, I'm at home in Seattle right now. I'm planning my wedding that's this Saturday - only five days away! So I'm pretty excited about that.
Oh I bet, where are you guys having the wedding?
It's going to be in Marysville, WA, about 40 miles north of Seattle.
That sounds exciting! So let's switch gears to riding for a minute. When did you start riding and how did you get into it?
Well, I have been riding for 20 years, since I was four. I got into riding because both of my parents rode and they met each other that way. I rode the WORCS series out west for about four or five years before this.
What made you decide to switch over to the GNCC Series?
I like the style way better. I like the trails and terrain and how they're longer races and everything. I think off-road is easier than moto; it's not as wide open and I feel like there's more chances to get hurt in moto.
Photo By: Shan Moore
Maria has broken into the top 5 OA twice this year
It's kind of hard. I mean there's a three-hour time difference and I work 40 hours a week. I usually fly out on Friday after work and then I have to get home in time for work on Monday.
Where do you work?
I work at Boeing, where they make the planes. I'm an electrician there.
Oh wow, that's impressive! So how do you find time to ride and still kill it every weekend at the GNCCs? And now a soon-to-be newlywed, it sounds like you have a lot on your plate.
Well, I don't have much of a life. (Laughs) I just kind of train and run and work out after work so it's kind of hard.
Photo By: JW Photography Studio
Congrats to the soon-to-be newlyweds!
Yeah, I've been with them for at about 5 years. They help me out a ton! I couldn't do what I'm doing without them, that's for sure.
So the other weekend I heard you make the comment about having kids. Are you planning on racing for a while or do you want to settle down and do the family thing in the near future?
Ummm, I'm not sure yet. I'm still undecided (Laughs).
Here's the question: if you have a daughter, or a son for that matter, are you going to be the hardcore moto mom?
Oh yeah!
Well Maria, I appreciate you taking the time to talk with us. Have so much fun at your wedding this weekend and we'll see you at Lorettas!
Thank you!
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