TNN Talks: Mandy Marquardt

19 August 2016

You might have known that Elite rider Mandy Marquardt (pronounced“Mar-kwart”) represented Team USA at three 2014/2015 UCI Track World Cups, was named to the 2016 US Olympic Long Team for Track Sprint Cycling and won all four US Elite National Sprint Titles this year. But did you know Mandy also loves schnitzel and “Finding Nemo” and can’t stop listening to Fetty Wap?

Below, the 11-time US National Champion shares a few things you may not know this edition of TNN Talks.

Favorite food when traveling:

My favorite food when traveling is yogurt. I’d say the best yogurt I’ve had was in Germany. I can easily digest it between training and racing and it’s a great balance of carbs, protein and fat.

It’s no different when I’m home. Whenever I go to the grocery store, I fill my cart with endless amounts of yogurt and have an entire fridge shelf dedicated to it. I can post a picture to prove it!

Favorite food from your home country:

I was born in Mannheim, Germany and moved to the United States when I was 6.

My favorite food from my home country is schnitzel with fries and mayo. SO GOOD! My favorite food in the United States is Mediterranean cuisine and a good burger. I’d say I’m a pretty big foodie, and always up to try a new restaurant or dish.

Favorite musician/band:

I’m a little embarrassed to say, but I’ve been playing the Fetty Wap CD on repeat in my car for the last 8 months – slightly because my car only gets one local radio station.

You’d be proud though. At 9 years old, my mom took me to my first concert – CHER! When I was a teenager, my best friend and I went to see the Foo Fighters and we met them! And I saw the Red Hot Chili Peppers live! Did I earn my cool points back?

Do you use a pen or pump?

I have used a pen ever since I was diagnosed with diabetes in 2007.

Does anyone else in your family have diabetes?

My grandfather had type 2 diabetes. When I was little, I always remembered him checking his blood sugar. He always had these dextrose tablets lying around, and I thought they were candy.

Favorite Movie:

My favorite movie is a close match between “Finding Nemo” and “Bridesmaids”.

I’m more of a reality TV junkie. Again, I’m embarrassed to say… I love the “Bachelor” and the “Bachelor in Paradise”. “Dexter”, “Breaking Bad” and “Homeland” are up there too.

Last book you read:

The last book I read was the “Anna Meares Story”. Anna is an Australian track sprint cyclist and one of the most decorated female sprinters in the world. It’s an inspirational read. I had the pleasure of meeting Anna at the 2014 UCI Track World Cup in London. Although we were competitors, I was star struck!

Worst way someone has mispronounced your name:

A lot of people pronounce my name as “Mandy Marquette”

Any pre-race rituals?

I don’t have too many pre-race rituals, but I do like to have my organized space at the track. It’s a good race prep feeling to be organized.

Favorite cyclist growing up:

When growing up, I looked up to a number of cyclists. I was open to advice and becoming the best little rider possible.

Favorite race:

There are a total of 4 sprint events on the track, and my favorite race is the Match Sprints. I enjoy the technical and mental aspect of match sprinting. We have a 200m qualifier, sprint rounds and then the quarterfinals, semifinals and finals rides are all best of three and it’s like cat and mouse. It’s an adrenaline rush!

My favorite race I’ve competed at was the 2014 UCI Track World Cup in London. The seats were filled and the energy inside the velodrome was incredible. Watching the 2012 London Olympics and then getting to ride that velodrome was unforgettable.

Biggest hero in life:

My parents are equally my biggest heroes. I would of never gotten involved in sports if it wasn’t for their support and guidance. They helped instill that competitive drive, and when I picked up cycling, they supported me 100% and made sure all the opportunities were available to me.

We’re a team. “Team Mandy Mouse”. (Growing up my parents called me Mandy Mouse. Not too many people know about that. I’m ok with sharing that now.

Favorite hobby off the bike:

Being with friends and family, doing anything other than cycling. Whether it’s the mall, go-karting, outdoor activities, it’s always a good time and thinking about other stuff than cycling.

Night owl or early riser:

I’m a night owl. On occasion, when I have the following day off, I like to watch my reality TV shows and sleep in the next morning.

Favorite ice cream flavor:

My favorite ice cream flavor is Raspberry White Chocolate. It’s from a local ice cream shop in Kutztown, Pennsylvania, called Premise Maid. I haven’t found anything like it!

If I don’t have that option, I’ll go for Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough or vanilla soft serve with sprinkles.

Favorite spot to get coffee:

I don’t drink coffee, but I do like easy “coffee shop” rides. My favorite pit stop is the Market Café in Topton, Pennsylvania. It’s approximately a 30-minute ride from the velodrome. I’ll ride there about once a week with friends and grab a sandwich and a smoothie. I’m always hungry!

Favorite place you’ve visited:

I have been fortunate to visit some amazing places with Team Novo Nordisk and Team USA. A few that spring to mind are Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, Trinidad and Tobago and Rwanda.

For when I’m not training, my favorite place I have visited would have to be Cusco, Peru. I did a short-term study abroad for my senior year in college at Penn State Lehigh Valley and we visited many Inca ruins, ate Alpaca, climbed Machu Picchu, and visited the U.S. Embassy in Lima.

Country you’d most like to holiday in:

I’d love to visit New Zealand and the Maldives someday. The only thing that might be tough for me is the flight. I can’t imagine sitting for that long and traveling for over two days, but I’m sure once I arrive I’ll be relaxing.

One of my favorite ways to holiday is going on a cruise to the Bahamas and the Caribbean – that’s so much fun!

Languages spoken:

German and English. German was my first language.

Favorite quote:

“If you shoot for the moon and you miss it, you’ll still land amongst the stars”

When I was younger, my parents framed that quote and it hung beside my bed.

Top “Bucket List” item:

To become an Olympian and an Olympic Medalist. It’s my biggest goal to represent my country and Team Novo Nordisk in the 2020 Olympics Games. Not only would it be the pinnacle of my athletic career, but it would also be an incredible platform to inspire, educate and empower those affected by diabetes to pursue their dreams.