Karl Menzies
Date
of birth: 17-6-77 (29-years-old)
Born: Davenport, Tasmania
Lives: Launceston, Tasmania and in Boulder, Colorado when I’m in
the USA.
Height: 1.86cm
Weight: 83kg
Occupation: Professional cyclist
Cycling history and achievements
Club: Launceston City Cycling Club
Professional team: Health Net Pro Cycling Team presented by Maxxis
Bike: Cannondale
Longest distance on a bike: 300km on the Melbourne-Warrnambool.
Career highlights: Leading the Jayco Sun-Herald Tour in 2006 was a highlight.
Ambitions for 2007: I’d like to have a good season in the USA, there are some good races there such as the Tour of California and Tour of Georgia that are competitive, so I’d like to win some stages on both of those.
Tour Down Under
Tour Down Under appearances: First time out this year.
How do you prepare for the Tour? A lot of miles on the bike and then a lot of strength work. As the event gets closer I have been doing a bit of motor pacing and some sprint work. It’s an interesting time of the year for everyone as you never know how well you’re going to go until the racing starts.
What do you hope to achieve in the Tour? I hope to have a consistent ride and be able to help the team to achieve a strong result.
Other facts and figures
Someone you look up to: All the Tasmanian cyclists who have gone before me and have raised the profile of the sport in that state and created opportunities for those who came after them. I also admire Henk Vogels, he’s a strong rider and has an attitude that gets the job done.
Favourite music: Anything really. Top 40 or a bit of techno to get you going for time trials.
Favourite film: I watched Kenny coming back on the plane from the USA and enjoyed it. Also fast-paced films like Snatch and Fight Club.
Favourite food: Mum’s lasagne