Max Durtschi, the newest member of the USA Junior National Cycling Team, returned home from Europe last week after an intense two-week period of racing.
Durtschi stayed with fellow teammates at the USA International Cycling House in Izegem, Belgium. The house, which is overseen by Belgian ex-cyclist Noelle Dejonckheere, a former cycling World Champion, offers a haven for young USA cyclists as they break into international competition.
While in Belgium, Durtschi took part in three one-day races.
He said, "The races were always fast and hard, right from the gun. The roads were narrow and the riders were aggressive. The cycling culture is different in Belgium—Belgians love to bet on the racers. There was a big gambling board where you could see the racers' names listed and their odds to win. It creates an intense experience."
During his second week Durtschi traveled to Switzerland where the team raced in the Grand Prix, Reubliland, a three-day, 4-Stage race. It included several Category 1 climbs through the Alps.
He said, "The field in Switzerland was incredibly tough with over seven national teams present. The racing was every bit as fast as in Belgium, but there was a lot more climbing and dangerous run-ins through towns."
Durtschi hopes to return to Europe in the spring of 2009 to race in the Junior Paris-Roubaix. This junior version of one of the most esteemed Spring Classics is a chance for young racers from around the world to compete.
"The junior race covers the same last 80 kilometers and 17 cobble sections as the professional race and finishes in the Roubaix Velodrome just two hours before the pros enter," said Durtschi.
Durtschi, 17, also a member of the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation's (SVSEF) Junior Nordic ski team, will race with the Comp Team as a J1 (ages 16-18) racer this winter.
He has started his junior year of high school as a dual-enrollment student at Wood River High School in Hailey and Johns Hopkins University's "Center for Talented Youth."
