Episode 140 with Cyclist Brendan Johnston: Gravel Grit, Racing Hard and Fueling Smart
Description
In this episode we talk with cyclist Brendan Johnston about:
- Translating mountain biking skills to the gravel world
- His approach to fueling now vs when he started
- Gut training, fueling during races and how he prioritizes recovery, especially as he headed into Unbound, and how that race is different
Brendan "Trekky" Johnston is one of Australia's most accomplished and versatile cyclists, excelling across mountain biking, gravel racing, and road cycling. A cornerstone of the Giant Australia Off-Road Team, Johnston has captured 6 Australian Cross-Country Marathon (XCM) National Championships and swept the prestigious Triple Crown MTB stage races—Port to Port, Reef to Reef, and Cape to Cape. He's also a former winner of the Melbourne to Warrnambool Classic and a consistent contender at national-level road races.
In 2023, Johnston took his talents to North America to compete in the high-profile Life Time Grand Prix gravel series. He earned podium finishes at Big Sugar Gravel and The Rad Dirt Fest, ultimately placing 7th overall. In 2024, he returned, finishing 4th overall in the series—his best result yet—and notching another podium at Big Sugar Gravel.
Back on home soil, Johnston continues to dominate Australia's gravel scene, with wins at UCI Gravel World Series events like Gravelista and SEVEN. His consistent performances have made him one of the top gravel riders globally.
Beyond racing, Johnston is a proud father to a 5yo daughter—a central part of his life and motivation. Whether training, traveling, or racing, Brendan is driven not only by competition, but by being a positive role model for his daughter and a grounded presence in her life.
Also cancer survivor, Johnston marked 10 years in remission in 2019.
Now based in Canberra, Australia, Johnston continues to push boundaries, balancing elite competition with fatherhood and a deep love for the off-road cycling community.
Please note that this podcast is created strictly for educational purposes and should never be used for medical diagnosis or treatment.
Connect w/ Brendan:
Mentioned:
- Brendan came in 5th Overall at Unbound: https://www.unboundgravel.com/results/
- The Feed: https://thefeed.com/teams/nutritional-revolution
- Skratch Labs Super High Carb Drink Mix: https://amzn.to/3HpkXCT
- Wahoo Bike Computer: https://amzn.to/4koYd4D
- First Endurance Ultragen Recovery Mix:
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