Interview with Jeremy Powers

By: Ryan Amirault

Jeremy Powers is one of the top up and coming cyclocross stars in America and continues to be a threat on the domestic circuit as well as in Europe. This year will be Jeremy's second full European cross season. Jeremy took 2nd place at last years U23 National Championship in Portland, Oregon and looks to work his way up in his first year in the Elite field when the Championship moves to Providence, Rhode Island. We look forward to following Jeremy's season as he takes on the European circuit! And oh yeah...Jeremy likes to bunny-hop barriers!

cyclocrossELEMENTS: You raced a full road season with Jelly-Belly this
summer, how did that go for you?

Jeremy Powers: The road season as far as I am concerned was great. As a team we were ranked 2^nd for most of the year, and bumped down to 3^rd just before the final standings were done. I do a lot of work on the team so my individual results aren’t really worth talking about, at every single race this year my job is to help one of our leaders win. Whether that’s Danny Pate, Ben Brooks or a sprinter like Alex Candelario, I have a job to do, so for me, the season was great, lots of racing and good times. The best race I did was I was probably the Tour de Georgia, because it was really well run, awesome courses, a real euro stage race feeling right in Georgia, and the boss was there, which made it cool.

CXE: We hear that you as well as Ryan Trebon and Jonathan Page will be doing a full European 'cross season, what are your goals while racing across the pond?

JPows: Trebon was sidelined by his wrist so he won’t be here until November, but we are living together, so I’m looking forward to the company! I have very broad goals for my first elite season; I want to improve over last season’s results. I am also trying for a spot on the elite world championships team. As always a run at the nationals in my back yard of Providence, RI is in the cards.

CXE: What are your top races to do while you are on European turf? Top American Races?

JPows: Top euro races I hope to do well in? Everyone I enter! Europe is different because of the level of the races. Here, a placing in the top twenty depending on who shows up could be an excellent result. In the states, they’re probably only ten guys who are actually racing cross’ full on, so I only plan on being home for nationals again, which leaves that as an important race for me in the USA.

CXE: Will you be receiving any support from Jelly-Belly on the cyclocross circuit? Does the Jelly-Belly squad have any other cyclocross racers to help you?

JPows: Jelly Belly is my title sponsor, they are really supportive and I’ve been handing out candy like it’s going out of style over here! I am currently the only rider on JB racing cross. Candelario has a background so maybe next year with some luck; I can get him out there. Jelly Belly wasn’t the only sponsor that helped me get over here again, with out Orbea, FSA, CrankBrother, Sibex Sports and some others it wouldn’t be possible!

CXE: You started racing on a mountain bike back in the junior ranks and now like many riders you have swapped out the fat tires for slicks. Do you have any aspirations to go back to the mountain bike in the near future?

JPows: Mountain biking is fun and I still love to rip it when I get some time, I think for now, I am going to stick with racing on the road and cyclocross. I had thoughts of returning to Mtn. Biking, but the days of picking and choosing are done, I like where I am with cross’ it’s a little combo of the two, so I think I’ve found a happy medium and it doesn’t conflict with my road season which is good!

CXE: The life as a pro cyclist is extremely demanding and time intensive. You spent 2 years at Westfield State College in Massachusetts and then left to pursue your cycling career. Do you have any plans to take classes during your cycling career or go back to college after racing the pro ranks?

JPows: I actually did three years at Westfield State for a double major in Criminal Justice and Environmental Science. I actually only have one year left and then I could be finished. WSC doesn’t offer any classes online, so that makes it tough to get ahead and do a little at a time, like some of my friends and other racers. The real hurdle is, a lot of those classes I need are for the Env. Science degree and include a lot of hands on lab work. So unless I move back to Massachusetts or drop the science degree I won’t be able to do right away. So for right now it’s sort of on the back burner. But I am definitely going to finish those classes and get my degree, it would be such a waste of time and money to not finish!

CXE: One last question: your family owns an ice cream business in Connecticut and you ride for a jelly bean sponsored team...What's your favorite ice cream and jelly bean?

JPows: Favorite ice cream is a mix-up, I like Reese’s peanut butter cups, Oreos and whatever kind of ice cream, all mashed up and thrown in a cone with chocolate sprinkles! For a novelty (like already pre-made / packaged) I would have to say a good humor toasted almond. And my favorite Jelly Belly is Café’ Latte. So good!