by The route from Le Tail to Mont Aigoual promised to be an exciting day at the Tour de France. And as soon as the flag was waved earlier this morning, it was clear that this stage would be more energized than yesterday’s. Neilson Powless (Oneida) specifically made it an entertaining stage to watch – and not just because it was his birthday. Powless showcased his acceleration and climbing skills throughout the race, and although the 24-year-old California native didn’t end up winning — he proved that he’s a serious contender for a future stage victory at the Tour de France.
Powless came to the front of the breakaway early with seven other riders as they set the pace and increased their gap over the rest of the peloton by 17 seconds. With 150km to go,the tempo of the race was quick as the breakaway then widened the gap to five minutes. Powless looked calm and collected out in the front, almost like he’s ridden in the world’s biggest cycling race before.
The break reached the intermediate sprint with 65km to goand Boasson Hagen (NTT Pro Cycling) won it easily. The breakaway then headed towards the first climb of the day on the Cap de Coste. This was followed by the Col des Mourèzes, another a category three climb for the day. Powless felt good about his chances before this point, but thinks he attacked a little too hard on the second to last climb. “I was a little too overzealous on the last 25 kilometres or so and was just too much the aggressor on the second to last climb. That kind of got the better of me,” said Powless.
With 17.5km to go, Lutsenko (Astana) joined Powless at the front and Herrada joined them shortly after. Powless and Herrada then started to trail behind Lutsenko (Cofidis), who looked like he was going for the win. Herrada then dropped Powless, and it became clear that this was going to be a victory for Lutsenko. Powless finished in fourth place today after a fantastic effort, not to mention the team widened their lead in the team classification. A fourth place finish at your very first Tour de France is a feat certainly worth celebrating, so cheers to Neilson and team on their stage today.
Sport Director Tom Southam said they will take what they learned today and apply it to their strategy going forward for the next stages. “Neilson did a great job and there’s a few things he’ll take away from it. He’s young and that’s how you learn” said Southam.
“I thought I had a decent shot with the guys that were in there and I think maybe I was a little bit too overzealous on the last 25 kilometers or so and maybe was just too much the aggressor on the second to last climb. That kind of got the better of me. In the end, I was still super proud of that ride and it was just amazing to be out in the front in the Tour de France. Everybody in there was just a world-class rider and I was really happy to be amongst that group.” said Powless.
Te break he was in started at almost the very beginning of the stage, and that group of 7 lasted the entire distance. Neilson held his own with some of the best in the world, including the current Olympic champion; commentators calling him, “the strongest of that group”. Maybe too optimistic, but while he’s a minor player on a team with limited expectations he’s no slouch. At only 24 years old (today), we’re seeing a future star. (Also a fellow Iroquois brother!) He’s in the pink EF Pro Cycling Team, #77. Watch for yourself: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIPXnean4DM
Wish all the best for Neilson Powless keep on climbing!
Wouldn’t it be something if there was a Haudenosaunee flag on the route at the Tour de France?
CONGRATULATIONS. This is great and you should be proud.