"Back then I could already tell that the team was going to be a powerhouse" - Neilson Powless recollects time with Jumbo-Visma before rise of Jonas Vingegaard

In 2018 and 2019 Neilson Powless raced with Jumbo-Visma, before it became a dominant team in the peloton. The American knew the potential of the team, but does not regret having moved away in search of more freedom and opportunities with EF Education-EasyPost. He also tells how he learnt a lot from teammate Rigoberto Urán.

"I learnt a lot from him. Every time we have gone to the Tour de France together, I was there to help him out. Last year was different circumstances of course, but for my first three Tour de France’s, I was going there in support of Rigoberto," Powless admits in an interview with Domestique. "He certainly taught me a lot about how to become a great leader and how to be someone that people want to hurt themselves for." Powless has talked about how now he becomes an experienced figure in the American team, and teaches young riders coming in - something valuable, from a rider who can perform on virtually every terrain.

The 27-year old has had a lot of success by himself, and he looks back at his first pro years with the Dutch team. "I was helping Primoz when he won the Vuelta. Back then I could already tell that the team was going to be a powerhouse eventually in the peloton. We had a lot of super strong guys and you could clearly see the direction the team was moving in. Unfortunately, with having those strong guys comes along limited chances for riders like me," he tells.

"I wouldn’t have had the success I have had at this point without the freedom EF has given to me. In terms of leaving Jumbo-Visma, I really wanted to see what I could do in the big races if I was given the chance. At the end of the day, I want to win races and to give that a shot, I’m really happy with how it’s going."