By: Jackson Cummings
Sentry Staff Reporter
November’s athlete of the month is junior Luke Klaussen. Klaussen is a cyclist who has ranked highly in multiple competitions and events throughout the United States. He belongs to an elite group of cyclists called the Hefler Performance Cycling (HPC) club.
Q: When did you start cycling?
A: I started cycling and racing four or five years ago. My dad used to race professionally when he lived in Colorado, so that was kind of my motivation to start.
Q: What do you find interesting about cycling?
A: It is just a way to get outside and it is simple. It is fun.
Q: What do you love about cycling?
A: I love it because it is fun, it gets me outside, and it is relaxing. I can just take my mind off anything and ride for a few hours.
Q: What are some events regarding cycling you have participated in and how did you do in them?
A: I have done a couple big events. One of them in Killington, another in Cincinnati, and another in Providence. I did pretty well in them, for the categories I was in, which are broken up by age and also by skill. You start as a category five (beginner) racer and go down to one (professional). I am in level two.
Q: Do you hope to become a professional cyclist?
A: Probably, I am looking into colleges with teams. One of the colleges I am looking at puts out a lot of professional athletes.
Q: Who do you look up to as a cyclist, if anyone?
A: I do not necessarily have anyone in particular that I look up to, but anyone above me can push me to be better.
Q: What club do you race for?
A: I race for a club called HPC U19. My coach runs a juniors program of elite juniors across the east coast.
Q: Do you have any goals with cycling that you wish to accomplish?
A: Being on the podium at a national champion race, either as a junior or in college level cycling.