Key Takeaways:
– Neilson Powless faced a tough off-season due to pneumonia but is on the mend.
– He competed in the Volta ao Algarve, showing progress but not yet at full strength.
– Powless aims to rebuild his form for upcoming races like Paris-Nice and the Classics.
– He remains optimistic, saying time and consistent training will help him regain his peak performance.
Neilson Powless: The Road to Recovery
Neilson Powless, a top cyclist for EF Education-EasyPost, has had a rollercoaster few months. Just a little over a month ago, he was battling pneumonia, a serious illness that put his training and racing plans on hold. Now, he’s back on the bike, racing in the Volta ao Algarve, and slowly getting back to his best.
A Tough Start to the Season
Powless was on fire at the end of 2024. He won big races like the Gran Piemonte and the Japan Cup, which boosted his confidence for 2025. But things took a turn for the worse in January when he got pneumonia.
“I was feeling super strong in January, setting records in testing,” Powless explained. “I thought I was going to start the season with a bang.”
But pneumonia changed everything. For weeks, he was sick one week and healthy the next. His training was disrupted, and he couldn’t build the fitness he needed.
Racing at Volta ao Algarve
At the Volta ao Algarve, Powless showed signs of his old self. In the second stage, he joined a breakaway group early on, which was a smart move. “I wasn’t going to beat riders like Jonas Vingegaard or Primož Roglič,” he said. “So I was happy to get in front and see what I could do.”
On the final climb of the stage, he finished 10th, which was a good result. But deep down, he knew he wasn’t where he wanted to be. “I didn’t have the legs in the end,” he admitted. “The climbs were tough, and I couldn’t carry speed easily.”
Progress, But Not Yet 100%
By the third stage, Powless had time to reflect on his performance. While he was happy to be back racing, he knew he still had work to do.
“I’m missing some depth,” he said. “I hope the Algarve will help me get back to where I was. I’m feeling good on the bike, but I still get more tired than usual at the end of races.”
Looking Ahead
Powless is staying positive and focused on the road ahead. He knows it will take time to fully recover and rebuild his fitness.
“I think it’s just time,” he said. “My body needs to get used to pushing hard again. I need consistent training, more than just one week at a time.”
His goals are clear. He wants a good finish in the Volta ao Algarve and a strong performance in Paris-Nice. His bigger focus is on the Classics, where he hopes to make a big impact.
Determination and Resilience
Neilson Powless’s story is one of resilience. He went from being at the top of his game to facing a serious setback. Now, he’s fighting his way back, step by step.
“I feel like it’s coming back,” he said. “I’m getting more consistent each day. I just need to get some depth back by the time the Classics roll around.”
Fans can expect to see Powless back to his best soon. He’s determined to make up for lost time and show the cycling world what he’s made of.
Let us know your thoughts on Neilson Powless’s comeback!