INFOCUS – LASSE NORMAN LETH
Lasse Norman Leth is no stranger to the world of road cycling: a five-time Olympic medalist, including two golds, and ten medals (three gold) at the UCI World Championships are among his many achievements. With a long list of accolades and coming from a family of prominent cyclists, Lasse is one of the most respected names in the business - and guess what? Lasse is now a member of the Haro Bikes team. Lasse leads our brand new road division while also battling to be the most decorated Olympic athlete in his home country of Denmark. To get a better understanding of what motivates Lasse, we spoke to him about the passion and dedication behind his drive to join Team Haro.
Lasse, welcome to Team Haro! What do you think about signing with a brand that until recently was mainly associated with BMX and MTB?
Of course, it's a little different being part of a brand that also supports BMX riders. However, I've always been known for having fun while still pushing myself and my body to the limit. As for the fun factor of BMX, I've always enjoyed consuming BMX content. It motivates me to explore the "cool" and "fun" side of cycling. While road cycling can be a little boring at times... I admit that. Ha ha. For me, it's about performing at my best while keeping it fun. Like BMX, track cycling is fast and dangerous - it's a fascinating discipline to watch. For me, that's where the connection lies. 
What made you decide to become part of the Haro Bikes brand?
It's a new beginning for Haro. I know the people involved and for me it seems like the right path. It was an easy choice! Knowing these people made me confident to be part of a cool brand while bringing the level of high performance road cycling.
It's obvious that cycling is in your DNA when you ride with your siblings and extended family. What motivates you to be part of a team and have support from a company like Haro?
For me, it's a plus that Haro is a brand that has always supported great athletes. Since I've known the brand since I was a kid and I'm not getting any younger, it feels great to be part of a smaller community and teams. I appreciate Haro as a brand that supports a team dynamic that focuses on lifestyle and people. I wish I had paid more attention to these things so far. I've always focused on my own success, but as I get older, I want to be part of a team that can inspire others. I'm already getting stories from friends and colleagues about how they had their first Haro - people feel a connection to the brand!
Congratulations on becoming a new father, all while preparing for Paris 2024. What motivates you to continue competing at the highest level after so many years?
It would be almost too easy to give up and say "That's it!". For me, a good challenge is something I love. Also, I have put myself in the position of being the most successful Danish Olympian. I now have 5 medals. Nobody in Denmark has 6 - that's a huge motivation. Being on my bike every day is always a plus. Now that I'm a father, I always try to train properly and use my time wisely. When I'm at home, I can fully focus on my family. 
When you are not training, what other influences determine your daily life?
I love music, I always have music playing when my family and I are at home. But I'm mainly a nature person, I like walks and funnily enough I can probably spend all day sitting by a stream looking into it. Mainly things that keep me in the moment. I really enjoy that! 
Check out Lasse's playlist!