Neilson Powless

At the 2017 Tour of California, Neilson Powless secured a stage victory, marking an early highlight in his career. The Tour of California is a prestigious event, often attracting top cyclists from around the world. Powless's performance on May 21 was characterized by his tactical acumen and strength in the final kilometers, where he outpaced competitors in a thrilling finish. This victory showcased his potential and announced him as a promising talent in American cycling.

In 2018, Neilson Powless took a significant step in his professional cycling career by signing with EF Education First Pro Cycling, a UCI WorldTeam. This move, announced on June 14, marked his transition to one of the leading professional teams. EF Education First recognized Powless's potential as a strong climber and all-rounder, setting the stage for his development and success in world-class cycling races. The signing was a strategic move to bolster the team's performance in major tours.

Competing in the 2019 UCI Road World Championships, Neilson Powless represented the United States in the elite men's road race. Held in Yorkshire, England, the event featured a demanding course with several challenging climbs and unpredictable weather conditions. Despite these challenges, Powless put in a strong performance, effectively working with his team and showcasing his climbing and strategic capabilities, highlighting his emergence on the international stage.

Neilson Powless participated in the Tour de France for the first time in 2020. During the race, he showed his skills as a strong climber, especially during difficult stages in the Alps and Pyrenees. His debut was marked by aggressive attacks and breakaway attempts, which caught the attention of commentators and fans alike. Powless's participation and performance in his first Tour de France laid a foundation for his future in Grand Tours, highlighting his potential on the world stage.

Neilson Powless delivered an impressive performance at the 2020 Giro d'Italia, finishing in the top 5 overall. Held in October due to COVID-19 disruptions, the race was marked by intense competition and challenging conditions. Powless's consistent performance throughout the stages, including strong showings in the mountain stages, highlighted his climbing abilities and resilience. His top-tier finish in this Grand Tour event established him as a rising star in professional cycling.

Neilson Powless became the first Native American from the Oneida tribe to win a stage at the Tour de France. On July 12, 2021, he secured victory on Stage 12, which was marked by challenging mountainous terrain and fierce competition. Powless's strategic ascent and sprint in the final stretch earned him a place in cycling history, showcasing his endurance and skill in one of the world's most prestigious cycling events.

Neilson Powless secured a top-10 finish in the 2021 Vuelta a España, showcasing his ability to compete with the world's best cyclists in one of the toughest Grand Tours. Over the three-week race, he demonstrated remarkable consistency and determination across both flat and mountainous stages. His performance included strong time-trial results and endurance during high-altitude stages, affirming his status as a formidable all-rounder.

In a landmark achievement, Neilson Powless reached the number 1 position in the UCI World Tour Rankings on April 18, 2022. This achievement was a result of his consistent high performances across multiple events including one-day races and stage races. Powless's tactical acumen and adaptability across different race formats were pivotal to his rise in the rankings. His journey to the top of UCI rankings symbolizes his evolution as a world-class cyclist.

Neilson Powless won the Best Young Rider classification at the 2022 Tour de Suisse, reflecting his talent in mountain stages and time trials. Throughout the event, Powless displayed consistency, particularly in challenging alpine terrains, which was critical to securing the youth classification jersey. His performance in the Tour de Suisse underscored his potential and skill in handling various race conditions, further cementing his reputation as a promising cyclist.

In March 2023, Neilson Powless secured victory in the prestigious five-day stage race Étoile de Bessèges. The race, held in the South of France, featured a mix of flat and hilly stages. Powless's performance was marked by strategic excellence, including a crucial stage win and consistent placements in other stages, which cumulatively gave him the overall win. His success at Étoile de Bessèges demonstrated his versatility and stage-racing prowess.