Marlena Klaic

I started work at the Warragul Hospital in 2000 and somehow found myself cycling in the Murray to Moyne challenge to raise funds for the hospital. Fortunately one of the nurses lent me a road bike and despite the saddle sores and lack of sleep, I was hooked ! After many years of riding for fun and in recreational challenge rides, my boyfriend finally convinced me to go along to Rob Crowe’s Latte Laps in early 2011. I raced in E Grade on the same day and what an adrenalin rush ! I finished the race without crashing or hemorrhaging a lung ! I was inspired by the strong and talented women I saw racing in A Grade and knew I wanted to keep growing and learning about racing my bike. So I joined the SKCC Women’s Development squad in 2011 and with the support and encouragement of the club, I ventured on to race in both criteriums and road races. I’m looking forward to continuing the learning journey with the talented SKCC Giant team in 2012.

Coach: David Heatley
Hometown: Melbourne

Born in: Whyalla, South Australia

Strengths: Climbing

Cycling Since: Competitively since 2011, but riding for fun since I was 3 years of age.

Hobbies off the Bike: Running, reading and my adorable cat

Career Highlights:

2011
1st 2011 Preston Mountain Classic
2nd 2011 Masters 3/4 Metro Road Championships
Lanterne Rouge 2011 Jayco Herald Sun Tour

Favourite racing/cycling memory:

Lining up with some of the SKCC girls in 2011 to compete in the Honda Hybrid Tour – amazing experience.
Going to Spain in 2011 to watch the Vuelta and cycle around Girona.
Meeting Fabian Cancellara in 2010 and only being able to giggle – how embarrassing

Goals on the bike:

Improve time trial skills, improve overall bike handling skills and to grow in confidence.

When I’m not riding I can be seen…

Studying, always studying……trying to fit in finishing my PHD in between my cycling and my cat.