by By Dan Ninham
Neilson Powless is adding to his international cycling resume’ in each race he does. He recently won his first professional race.
According to the Cycling Tips Racing Report,
https://cyclingtips.com/2021/07/neilson-powless-wins-the-clasica-san-sebastian/: “Neilson Powless (EF Education-Nippo) took a fantastic win at the Clásica San Sebastián, out-sprinting his two fellow attackers at the end of a long day in the rain.”
“It’s a massive honor to be the first Indigenous athlete to win Clásica San Sebastián,” said Neilson Powless. “It’s one of the most prestigious one day races in the world.”
“I just wish my grandpa could have seen this performance. He was always telling me he saw me as such a warrior, and I had to fight through so many setbacks over the past year.”
Matthew Powless died on June 20, 2015 at the age of 80. He was the patriarch of the extended Powless family and a major influence to all he met on his journey.
“It has always stuck with me that a warrior has to push through any barrier they are put up against,” said Neilson.
“There are no excuses in professional sports, so I just raced with everything I had to prove to the world that Americans, and Indigenous athletes specifically from the Oneida Tribe of Indians can beat the best athletes in the world!”
Photo Credit: Jen Powless
I have Tarahumara ancestry and besides having run 31 marathons and 5 Boston marathon in that total, I was on the Masters U.S. Cycling Team for Three years, that competed in the Russian World Championships. I also competed in 4 Masters World Cup Championships and in 1992 I placed 5th overall at Masters Worlds in Austria.
Congratulations to the new Native Blood taking on the world of cycling now!
Congratulations, that is a great accomplishment that requires great dedication and strength!