by Velownews.com
Neilson Powless (Oneida Nation) is back for another loop around France as the American is confirmed as part of EF Education—Nippo’s Tour de France selection.
The 24-year-old impressed in his rookie Tour in 2020, riding into several key breakaways, and will join the likes of Rigoberto Urán and Sergio Higuita as the team hunts for stages and a strong GC placing.
“I’m coming to the Tour this year with more experience and confidence than I had last year,” Powless said Tuesday. “Every year you get stronger and learn a little more, and I’m hoping to put those lessons I’ve learned over the past year into practice.
“I started to feel like myself again at the Tour de Suisse,” Powless continued. “The final day was probably my best and that makes me really excited for the three weeks of racing we are about to begin. I also felt like I was able to give a little more to support ‘Rigo,’ sometimes the motivation of a teammate doing well can also help you reach that next level.”
Powless will be helping Urán, hot off second place at the Tour de Suisse, make a run for a strong GC position. The team juggled its Tour ambitions following Urán’s strong showing, and will now mix in stage-hunting with a push for the podium.
EF Education-Nippo typically punches above its weight during the Tour. With an explosive and varied squad, the team just might be what disrupts what many expect to be domination from the five-star favorites.
Photo: Tim de Waele/Getty Images
Related:
- https://www.velonews.com/events/neilson-powless-is-the-first-tribally-recognized-native-american-to-race-the-tour-de-france/
- http://www.ndnsports.com/catching-up-with-world-class-cyclists-shayna-and-neilson-powless-oneida-at-the-uci-road-world-championships/
(Story originally appears at: https://www.velonews.com/events/tour-de-france/tour-de-france-neilson-powless-returns-with-ef-education-nippo/)
