The 34-year-old biker from Durango (CO) Willow Rockwell, who has been linked to TREK for years and before that to Gary Fisher, was one of the most highlighted athletes of the last decade. Last year Willow took a sabbatical for the birth of her first daughter, later called Raven, with the firm intention of returning to the international scene at the beginning of 2012, trying to take on the role of the protagonist again.
The year off allowed Willow to write a book about the battles she faced in the competition environment and also in everyday life, and the strength she found to overcome them and find happiness. The book, titled “My wheels gave me wings” was published shortly before Willow returned to compete in the 2012 World Cup. However, with little time to train this season and a beautiful little girl first in line for motherly attention, the start of this year turned out very differently than planned.

After much soul-searching and many tears shed, I have decided to end my competitive mountain biking career. I had already made the decision to return to racing this year before having my daughter. There was no way to predict how things would turn out later, with all the changes in my life. I thank everyone for the help given to me during this difficult decision-making period, full of transformations. In particular I want to thank my team manager Martin Whiteley and my entire TREK World Racing team for understanding that sometimes life has other plans in store. Enjoy every moment on the bike, as every moment contributes to the growth of your life! – Willow Koerber
