TEN MENzies: What makes a long and fruitful career as a cyclist? A chat with one of Australia's greats!
Karl Menzies grew up in a small town named Ulverstone on the north coast of the island state of Tasmania in Australia. As a swimmer turned triathlete turned cyclist, it became clear that cycling was the sport he loved most and suited his unique physiology. How did the boy from Northern Tasmania make it to the top of the professional rankings in the USA and a have subsequent career that continued into his 40’s?
An insightful chat with coach Justin Morris.
Karl Menzies rode for the same team for 15years, becoming an integral part of countless victories throughout the USA criterium racing circuit. Photo: Shane Goss
After achieving success in the strong local cycling scene in Tasmania, it was not long until some of Australia's high performance cycling programs took note. Karl credits much of the opportunities that arose in his early career to the strong cycling community in Tasmania & Australia. This is what helped shape his physical development and his solid work ethic which he would later become renown and respected for.
Winning the ‘Burnie 20’ handicap as a young racer in Tasmania.
“I grew up with some absolute weapons that helped shape me as a bike rider!”
A professional career spanning nearly 2 decades followed. Mainly focussed on the USA domestic circuit where his name on a start list would cast fear into those lining up alongside him. His nickname 'TEN' Menzies became an apt description of what he could do to a bunch. His name atop many of the results lists of some of the USA's biggest races, an undoubted winner. However, as Karl explains he was equally devoted to a role as lead out man and team rider later in his career.
The ability to line up a lead out train became one of Ten Menzies greatest attributes as a bike racer.
“Everyone does it tough at some point, so be good to people and don’t burn any bridges!”
With a reputation as a fierce competitor Karl manages to keep his feet on the ground despite his massive success in the sport. A big believer in not just the power but also the value of humility for developing riders in the sport; “Be good to people”. Karl could always hold his own in the most high pressure of race situations, holding firm the confidence required to be at that level of the sport but never letting it cross the line to arrogance. This was obviously noted and appreciated from his team with contract renewals year on year for 15 years! As the program that was his home for 15years folded in 2017, he was as an athlete in his 40’s able to secure another contract. Karl rounded out his professional career helping the next generation of crit champions on the Cyclance pro cycling team in the USA.
A stage win and 2nd GC at the Tour Down Under Karl marks as one of his career highlights. Pic: Mark Gunter.
Karl was 3rd at the 2007 Australian national road championship.