Neilson Powless has stood out as a specialist in winning stages and as a rider in classic races over the years. Additionally, the 27-year-old American cyclist also demonstrates promising skills in shorter stage races.
However, when it comes to Grand Tours like the Tour de France, he admits to being far from his capabilities at the moment. In a conversation with the Velo website, Powless revealed that perhaps his performance could be more favorable in the Giro d’Italia or the Vuelta a España, emphasizing that in those situations, the dynamics could be different for him.
Neilson Powless finished 12th in the 2022 Tour de France. However, the American does not believe in his ability to contend for the General Classification in the near future. “I think I will have more success as a stage winner. Getting a good overall placement in the Tour is something for specialists. There are only three or four riders capable of going for the overall victory. I don’t consider myself one of those three or four riders.”
“It’s hard to say now if I am capable of getting a good GC placement in a Grand Tour. I probably won’t try in the Tour, due to the competition and my physical abilities, but in the Giro or the Vuelta… The story might be different. Maybe someday, one day.”
Powless had a successful 2023, starting the year with victories at the GP La Marseillaise and Ster van Bessèges. He also achieved several top finishes: third at the Tour des Alpes Maritimes et du Var, sixth at Paris-Nice, seventh at Milan-San Remo, third at Dwars door Vlaanderen, fifth at the Tour of Flanders, and fourth at the Clásica San Sebastián. In the upcoming season, he will focus mainly on spring classics and shorter stage races, aiming to win competitions where he can truly excel.