We've all heard of Russian woman gymansts, figure skaters, and tennis players, but mountain bike racers? Meet Irina "Ira" Kalentieva. This talented athlete has won an Olympic medal, two world championships, as well as multiple championships in Europe. In addition to athletic prowress, Irina has stunning good looks, looks which earned her a spot in the 2009 Cycle Passion calendar.

The Beginning

Irina was born on November 10, 1977 in the small village of Norwash-Shigali. She grew up on a small farm with her 3 siblings and braved the rough roads of her village to ride her bike to school every day. It was here where she received her fist, albeit informal, cross-country mountain bike training.

At age 14, Irina won a cycling grant and she moved to the city of Tscheboksary to attend school. She quickly distinguished herself as the most talented rider at the school, and it wasn't long before Irina began competing internationally. She placed 4th in her first world championship and soon moved to Germany to continue to train and to develop her career. The brutal Russian winters and impassable roads made this impossible for Irina to do at home.

Dreaming of Olympic Glory

Though she managed to win a number of prestigious mountain bike racing championships, Irina longed to win an Olympic medal. Her first opportunity came at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, but an infection left her weak and she was unable to achieve her goal. However, she quickly bounced back and won a bronze medal at the Beijing Olympics 4 years later.

Notable Achievements

Here are just a few of Irina's notable career achievements.

•    World Champion 2009, 2007
•    Silver Medal European Championship 2009, 2008, 2007
•    Olympic Bronze Medalist 2008
•    World Championship Bronze Medalist 2008
•    Overall Worldcup title 2007
•    7 times Russian National Champion
•    4 times German National Series Champion

The lovely Irina is still an active competitor and I wish her the best of luck!