Tales of an Australian world championship talent

Words: E.J Macdonald & Charlie Coquillard | Pictures: Charlie Coquillard | 05/11/2020

EJ was born to perform. She went from a national level basketball player to wearing the yellow and green at the triathlon worlds to competing at an elite level in road cycling — all before the age of 23.

We went down to Wollongong, where E.J currently lives, to follow her on one of her training rides and ask a few questions about bicycle racing, training routines, and what it takes to make the worlds.

How do you go from basketball to cycling?

"For eight years, my family and I traveled over 70,000KM across the country for me. I felt like something was missing. What always triggered me is that you're not in control of the final result in basketball — there are so many variables. That's part of the reason why I shifted to triathlon; I wanted to be the sole reason for which I succeeded or failed."

How did your dad shape your love for cycling?

"At the time, my dad was the equivalent of what you can call an Elite racer these days. He still made it to the Olympic training squad for the Mexico games of 1968; unfortunately, he got hit by a truck during training, which ended his cycling career. He never encouraged us to get into cycling because he knew how hard it was. After my basketball years, I decided to take on triathlon by myself, and we developed a powerful bond because of that love for the sport."

Cycling is just purer. Whoever is the strongest and fittest gets to the finish line first. There is no in-between.

What made you go to bicycle racing only?

"Competing in 2018 made me realise that my cycling time was close to the best of the day. What I like about cycling is that it is so pure. No transitions, no energy savings, no thinking about the run — whoever is the strongest and fittest gets to the finish line first."

What are your rituals?

"I always start my days the same way. I wake up, make my bed, make an espresso, and jump on the bike. I've also got that weird thing where if I get on a bridge, I'll make sure I put in an even number of pedal strokes before the end of the bridge. And I always clean my shoes — if your equipment is nice and clean, you ride faster."

What's your next step?

"Graduating from university is a big one. I'm very excited for next year as I can get full time on the bike. An intermediate goal would be to medal at nationals TT — with my triathlon background, that's what suits me best. TT is a head game, very calculated, and that suits me."

We wish E.J the best of luck for her future racing career. We make sure all of our pro Women range garments are super aero and breathable, so riders like E.J can perform at any time of the year.