First Native American racer blazes trail at Tour de France

Neilson Powless of the U.S. rides during the 16th stage of the Tour de France cycling race over 164 kilometers from La Tour-du-Pin to Villard-de-Lans Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2020. LE PECQ, FRANCE -- A late draft to the Tour de France, Neilson Powless didn't have time to scramble together a turtle necklace, the spirit animal of his Native American tribe, or paint one of their wampum bead belts on the frame of the bike that he's ridden for three punishing weeks, over 3,300 kilometres of roads.

“My main hope is that I can be a positive role model for young indigenous kids who have a lot going against them,” Powless, who turned 24 during the race, told The Associated Press. “I think finishing the Tour de France is a testament to years of hard work and dedication to a lifelong dream. Hopefully I can help drive kids to setting their mind to a goal and going after it.”

“Whenever one of our own, from the Oneida community, are in the spotlight, it definitely does not go unnoticed. Neilson's journey and accomplishments I'm sure are spoken of at many gatherings here in Oneida,” Hill told the AP. “I saw him dance once or twice when I was younger, but I wish I could have watched him more,” says Powless, who grew up in Roseville, California. “He tried to get me into boxing for a few years and I would train at the gym he coached at sometimes when we would visit.”

The Tour confirms he is its first Native North American competitor. The cyclist hasn't made a fuss of his heritage. Vaughters says he only found out that Powless is one-quarter Oneida from the rider's dad just days before he took the Tour start on Aug. 29.

Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Tour de France: Roglic tightens grip on lead as Ineos gets first stage winPrimo Roglic safely negotiated the last truly mountainous stage of this year’s race on Thursday, moving a big step closer to adding what would be his first Tour win
Source: globeandmail - 🏆 5. / 92 Read more »

Roglic tightens grip on Tour de France lead as Ineos gets first win - Sportsnet.caPrimoz Roglic navigated the mountainous stage of the Tour de France, moving a big step closer to adding what would be his first his first Tour win to the Spanish Vuelta title he conquered last year.
Source: Sportsnet - 🏆 57. / 59 Read more »

Andersen doubles down at Tour de France, wins Stage 19That's deux for Soren Kragh Andersen at the Tour de France.
Source: CTVNews - 🏆 1. / 99 Read more »

Soren Kragh Andersen doubles down at Tour de France, wins Stage 19 - Sportsnet.caSoren Kragh Andersen has now won two stages at the Tour de France.
Source: Sportsnet - 🏆 57. / 59 Read more »

Tour de France: Andersen doubles down, wins Stage 19The Danish rider who won Stage 14 doubled down and raised his arms in victory again on Stage 19 on Friday, with another cunningly timed attack
Source: globeandmail - 🏆 5. / 92 Read more »

Derogatory term for Indigenous women removed from mountain and trail in Banff National ParkAfter calls from First Nations, the hiking community and lawyers over several years, the federal government has announced plans to remove an offensive name from a mountain and trail in Alberta. About time! I demand change too Squaw just means woman - white folks turned it into a pejorative.
Source: CTVNews - 🏆 1. / 99 Read more »