My Gold Medal: Maria Forsberg

The 2-time Women's Enduro X Gold medalist Maria Forsberg has worked her way into becoming one of the most well-known and talented off-road racers in the industry. After her big win at the 2012 Women's Enduro X at X Games, Vurb caught up with the hard working winner to talk about the win, her GNCC season and what's up next.

How does it feel to win X Games?
It feels good! I was surprised; a lot of the girls have been training really hard and I didn't know if I would win or not. I was just hoping for a podium.

Is the start the main focus in Endurocross? Or is it a combination of the obstacles that are most important?
The obstacles are the main challenge. But, it does help a lot to get out front early and get a good start so there are less people on the ground in front of you. You have to push hard to the very end, even in dead last, because so much can happen and you can still come out with a win.

Last year, the Women's Final went viral, but not for the right reasons. Do you feel the rider quality has improved?
Yes! The girls have gotten way better this year and it was really a good race. To me, it made us look all look so much better, especially with the girls training. Everyone was able to make it around the course.

Does it seem the Women are more appreciated as the sport is maturing?
Oh yeah, the criticism didn't really bother me because we did get a ton of publicity. I think all the people who ride motorcycles understand how hard it is. If anyone who made fun of us wants to try, they are more than welcome!

How do you go about training for X Games and Endurocross? Do you have your own course?
A lot of Cross-fit! I also spent a lot of time at the gym. You really have to ride endurocross to get better at it, so I've tried to get a lot of time on the bike.

Are you treated well at X Games?
X Games treats us really well. It's cool to be apart of something that big, they couldn't treat us any better.

You also run the GNCC's, how's that been going?
It's great! We've had 8 rounds and I have won all 8. I think I'm pretty close to wrapping up the 2012 Championship.

How does your Factory FMF/KTM ride help you?
Way more support! When you're apart of a team, you really are taken care of. I am fortunate enough to get more bike parts and support with gear and everything. When you're apart of a Factory team, everyone takes you seriously and helps you out a lot.

After your win have you gotten any publicity outside the industry?
Not yet, it's only been 2 days, but I am hoping so!

What else do you have planned after your GNCC championship wraps up?
Well I've got about four or five more GNCC's I am going to race and two more Endurocross rounds so it'll still be pretty busy.

Do you have any plans to race against men?
Yes in the GNCC's I might race with the men towards the end of the year. I did last year and did pretty well. I'll do anything!

Well, we appreciate your time and congrats!
Thanks!

 Watch Maria at the 2011 Endurocross Finals in Las Vegas: