Nationals Countdown - 13 days to go

Thirteen days until USA Cycling Junior Road Nationals and we’re rotating through the fourteen riders that make up the 2011 Team Specialized junior squad. Youngest to oldest. On to the 15-16’s

Philip O’Donnell (racing age 15), hometown: Suwanee, GA

I met Phil less than an hour after his winning the 2010 USA National Criterium Championship. The team was at the 13-14 year old criterium cheering for Jack Maddux and Matt Valencia. The two put on a show taking 7th and 5th place. We were celebrating over dinner in Bend, Oregon when Matt introduced us to Phil, who had wanted to talk to us about our program and 2011. Team captain Andrew Lanier Junior grilled Phil but he was unfazed and still wanted on the team. Think about that. We have this 23 year old professional and masters program, and a new junior program and this 14 year that has just won his 2nd national championship title of the 2010 Junior Road Championships wants to join out team! Not too long after that meeting we learn that Phil’s mother helped to publish the “Coaching Junior Cyclists” book. Think about that. The O’Donnell’s wrote the book on Junior cycling and they want to join Team Specialized!

Phillip has been a pleasure to work with. Firstly, Phil is highly motivated. Being on Team Specialized can mean that teammates do not live near you. Just like a professional cyclist, the onus is on Phil to stay connected to friends and group rides that will push him to new heights. Secondly, Georgia is a popular place to ride, but the junior numbers are relatively low. Our team asks its juniors to compete with their category peers because the larger field sizes help to prepare the riders for international racing.

On the bike, Phil is a rare “triple threat” in that he can sprint, time trial and climb. He also carries a calm leadership in him that helps to bring out the best qualities in his teammates. Not only has he proven himself in team events at Valley of the Sun, San Dimas and Sea Otter, but he’s been racing with the pros in the south which have helped to get Phil ready for Nationals in his home state of Georgia. Everyone that supports the team wishes you well Phil!

Good luck in Augusta Philip O’Donnell! Cheers, Larry Nolan, Team Specialized Director