Karl Etzel:

Specialties: Ultra Endurance racing, MTB racing, Cyclocross, Recreational and Fitness riders, Bike fit

Home: San Jose, California

Client levels accepted:
Individual, SemiCustom, Custom, Consultation
Available for seminars, camps, clinics, and team direction on a contractual basis.

With over 17 years of experience in road, MTB, and cyclocross racing, Karl Etzel brings a wealth of knowledge to bear in helping athletes reach their potential in a variety of competitive and non-competitive cycling disciplines.  He started racing as a high school student and completed his first century at the age of fifteen.  He has competed in USCF, NORBA, and NCCA events over the years.  

His primary coaching focus is 24 hour/ultra-endurance and cross-country MTB racing, as well as ultra-endurance road riding.  Karl enjoys ultra-endurance events for many reasons, and they play well to his strengths, which include meticulous race preparation and the mental side of the game.  He also brings a strong background in bike fitting.  A knee injury in 2002 almost ended his cycling days, but after months of therapy, study, and a trip to the operating room he came out if it stronger than before, wielding a wealth of knowledge on how to care for knees.  Karl is dedicated to helping working professionals and individuals with full family lives maximize their potential by training efficiently, while never losing site of the simple joy of riding a bike.

In addition to coaching and competing in ultra-endurance MTB events, Karl also finds time to put in a full season of cyclocross in the Bay area’s famously competitive cross scene.  He runs the ride424.com website, which has a full calendar of ultra-endurance MTB races and a lot of good training info. 

Karl holds BS and MS degrees in Mechanical Engineering and works as a program manager in the health care technology industry.  He lives in San Jose, CA with his wife Marianne and their Weimaraner, Charlie.  Outside of cycling he enjoys backpacking in the Sierras. 

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