Luke Mckenzie

Rider's Talk

What is your Triathlon background? When and why did you start? 
My family and I would go out to the IM Australia race in Forster in the mid to late 80's and work as volunteers at the aid stations. I grew up idolizing these guys and by the time I was 13 I gave up on a swimming career to do triathlon. I did my first race in 1994 and won so I stuck with it.

What was your reason for picking Triathlon? 
It's the best lifestyle you can have. You keep fit and healthy and get to travel the world and meet people from all over. It's a tough way to make a living but very rewarding.

What’s your favorite part about riding for SCOTT? 
I have been riding SCOTT bikes since 2008 and I have a very good relationship with the company. We have grown together over the past few years and they have helped me develop into one of the top cyclists in the sport with great support and the best products.

What are your future goals? 
It's definitely every triathlete’s goal to win the Hawaii. I got close last year coming 2nd and to win Hawaii would realize a boyhood dream for me.

What keeps you going during the off season, if you ever have an off season? 
I like to take some time off training and racing around Christmas/ New Year and enjoy the Australian summer. I live in California these days but it is a good opportunity to go back to my homeland and be with my family, enjoy summer and the beach!

What are your favorite Triathlons? 
I raced Challenge Roth for the first time recently and although I didn't have the day I wanted I still walked away smiling at the experience I had there. I already can't wait to go back to do it again. The atmosphere of the event is different to any other I have competed in.

Where are we going to find you training most often? 
I guess I have four go to training grounds around the world. I live in San Diego and that's where you will find me training most often but I also like to spend time up in the mountains of Bend, Oregon, the coastal town of Noosa, Australia (where I lived for several years prior to moving to USA) and Kona, Hawaii were I usually spend a month prior to the World Championships.

What inspires you to keep going each season? 
My ultimate goal to win Hawaii.

What music do you listen to when training or before a race? 
I listen to a variety of music but the music that gets me most pumped in hard training sessions is mostly electronic music. Artists like Swedish House Mafia, Steve Aoki, Martin Garrix and Bingo Players are some of my current favorites.

Do you have a favorite pre-race food? 
Lasagna is always a good one.

Do you have any funny habits that you have to do before you race? 
Not really. I think more just tinkering with my bike and getting it ready for the race. I don't have a favorite pair of undies to wear or anything.

When your season is over what is the food you have to have? 
There is a food I can't have during the season? ;)