Q: So Jake where are you calling “home” these days?
A: I’m here in Belgium, now my 6th time here. I’m here almost a month already and will be here until September 26th. Initially I had some paper work issues while transferring mid-season so that kept me from racing here for about a week. As you may know two years ago I raced for Avia-Crabbe with Jo van Gossum in Sint-Truiden. It was one of the best experiences of my life. After two years on the American Pro circuit riding for a continental team I think I’m now two years stronger and more experienced. I’m prepared to take the next step and that’s what I’m here to prove.
Q: Wow, racing in Belgium! What prompted the change?
A: What’s different about this trip is that I came with a different intention this year. At this point I’ve resigned from Astellas as of August. In March they informed us the title sponsor would be leaving so I knew I had to find a new team for 2017 as it looked less and less hopeful that the team would have a future. I know in cycling there’s always hiccups at some point. I had a lot last season with crashing in about every race I started. With Astellas discontinuing, I’ll take it for what it is and look forward. I’m thankful for two seasons with them, but excited to pursue my goals and follow my dream next season.
Q: Do you have anything lined up in Belgium?
A: I’m currently sharing an apartment in Ninove with two of my Astellas teammates (also U23s) who are in the same position as me. I’m excited to announce that I am riding for Home-Solution-Anmapa-Soenens, they are a “top competition” Belgian team. It’s the equivalent more or less of a US domestic elite team and compete in a UCI race just about every week. I’d like to stay with the team for 2017 as they start in U23 Paris-Roubaix. I did well there as junior and I’m ready to focus on this race as a U23.
Q: What’s it like racing in Belgium at that level?
A: So far I’ve raced with riders from just about every world tour team and frequently pro continental teams around here show up in full force. It’s very blue collar area here and I came here with less expectations and more for experience riding the Pro Kermeses and UCI one day races. I think when you race anywhere from 150-200km at this level consistently it benefits you’re development and I’m here for experience so I can come back in 2017 with a clear idea what my year will look like and what exactly to focus on. We are working hard and taking no shortcuts. I think there are the times you look back at & appreciate the sacrifices you made to make it further.
Looks like Jake hard work is already paying off! This past weekend Jake and his team mate went 1-2! Good luck Jake! Represent Florida and the United States!
