Why the heck does JPOW not go to Europe!!? He’s essentially bumped himself up to CAT1, but chooses to stay in CAT3’s. It’s the
Big show, but he chooses to race Boulder, Madison….why??
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JPOW in CAT3s
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I almost peed my Castellis when I read that subject line.
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Because it is really, really hard to make a living doing that. With Worlds here, this is not a good year to do it.
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While not racing Europe full time, he is over there much earlier this year doing World Cup races and some other races seeking points for Louisville starting position. He basically maxed out his points over here. He skipped the end of the USGP, since he wrapped that up early.
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You may remember Katie Compton's struggles going back and forth., This year she has limited her trips and it is paying off for her. They are on different agendas but I can see that limiting the traveling, even if it appears opportunities are being lost is smart.
Ben
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I understand the strategy for this year with Worlds over here - it makes sense. But he's clearly dominating the US scene the last two years, and maybe for years to come, there is another rung to go in terms of level of competition, yet I never hear him say he has any desire to go to Belgium for even ONE full season. If you were in his shoes, wouldn't you want to be part of the "English Premier League" of the sport?? Road guys would jump at the chance to be int the Pro Tour scene, but seems the CX scene here does not share the same type of inspiration. If he was offered a contract with a Belgium CX team, do you think he would go/should go?
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I am not sure that you can make a blanket statement. Clearly J Page and Amy Dombroski and Compton all chose to spend significant chunks of their time in Europe.
We'd have to hear from him but I suppose some elements to consider from a career perspective are:
1) One's desire to dominate here vs being part of the traditional euro scene
2) Desire to live in a foreign country for much of the yr
3) Spotlight vs working your way back-up in a different system / culture
4) Compensation package from the two choices (Euro taking a chance in the bigs vs dominate and the associated media coverage here in the US)I suspect if he does well at World's that may force the issue. But if we really want to know, the person to ask is Jeremy.
On a complete sidenote, I find his "Behind the Barriers" internet show really great - his videographer Sam seems really talented as well.
I would not be surprised if he does well at World's to see him transition to more time over in Europe next year, but we'll see.
Man, those guys like Vantournot, Pauwels, Nys, and Albert are monster good. Nys is on fire this year.
J
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I think its just me wishing I could see him over there more, without the jet lag/travel issues - giving himself a more realistic chance to compete. I think worlds will tell a lot.....
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Could be he doesn't want to compete with all the dopers in Europe. He is pretty strongly anti-doping.
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That's funny. As opposed to all the squeaky clean US riders like Levi, Danielson, some retired guys who shall not be named, etc.
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Racing on the road for Jelly Belly might also play a little bit of role. He wouldn't be over there year-round. Would need two residences, etc. Not sure. As a spectator, I'd like to see him race the Euro circuit but its easier said than done.
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All good points, guys. I do think that at some point he should do a full season over there. Maybe do Cross Vegas, StarCrossed, then rent a place over there and go for it. But he lives in a very talent-dense area for 'crossers (Northampton, MA) and it must be nice to be near your friends and fellow pros during the season. Might be pretty lonely in Belgium in the wintertime...
Powers really is in the upper echelon over there. In Pilsen, he was seventh, and watching the highlights you could see he was very much in the mix for a top placing.
Time will tell what he decides, but he is legit no matter what. I hope he finds a way to be at his best in Louisville.
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JP is going to Europe several times this year. He seems to ride very well right off the plane then fades after a week
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"He seems to ride very well right off the plane then fades after a week"
Mile-high club doping? I wonder if I could tap that one...
Life is too short to be small. - Disraeli
So, why not be petty? - The Short White Guy™
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