Reigning USA National Champion Valente shows Balance on the Track and Road
Jennifer Valente (USA) of Sho-Air TWENTY20 Cycling won a “titanic tussle” with reigning world champion Katie Archibald (GB) as the American took omnium gold at the TISSOT UCI Track World Cup in Manchester. Coming off the weekend’s thrilling victory, Valente announces her re-signing for the 2018 season with Sho-Air TWENTY20 Cycling.
Valente joined the team in 2012 as a junior athlete, with a focus on the sprint events. Valente has evolved her cycling power into a force in track endurance events and is an integral part of the team’s road program.
Go out fast and commit ????@ValenteJennifer gets off to a flyer in the omnium scratch race #TrackWorldCup pic.twitter.com/SIsyM9YbIj
— Track World Cup (@TrackWorldCup) November 10, 2017
In Manchester, Valente lead Archibald by six points heading into the final points race, Valente’s advantage was almost overturned by the final sprint, but Valente beat Archibald to the line to claim the victory.
“I came into these two races without huge expectations as far as results, more just looking at each race with tactics and how I ride and then where my fitness stacks up. I was very happy to be on the podium. And winning in Manchester was all bonus. I go home with such valuable knowledge. It’s a learning process right now, and always will be, and I think I have a good grasp on where to make improvements going forward,” said Valente.
Valente scored a silver medal in the omnium last week in Poland with Kristin Wild (NED) narrowly taking the win. With her silver and gold in the first 2 World Cups, Valente leads the overall omnium UCI World Cup standings, with Amalie Dideriksen (DEN) in 2nd and Laura Berthon (FRA) in 3rd.
“Nothing surprises me when it comes to Jennifer’s ability. I always tell her she can do anything – we’ve not come close to her potential. In her mind, she went to the first two world cups for experience in the omnium – a spot on the USA team that has been covered by Sarah Hammer for many years. Being on the podium in the first World Cup built her confidence. Jennifer is a strategic thinker and you have to be smart to win an omnium as well as strong,” said Nicola Cranmer, General Manager, Sho-Air TWENTY20 Cycling.”The road racing and training build to these World Cups were essential. Her coach Benjamin (Sharp) did a great job planning Jenn’s training to peak for the key events.”
“Everything about coming into this World Cup is exciting for the riders.”
???????? @usacycling‘s @ValenteJennifer reflected on her victorious omnium duel with @_katiearchibald. #TrackWorldCup pic.twitter.com/uKvitBrMIx
— Track World Cup (@TrackWorldCup) November 11, 2017
“I happy to announce that I will continue racing for Sho-Air TWENTY20 in 2018. It’s a program I am familiar with and they support a balanced season with track and road. Racing on the road after track world championships will be instrumental in building my engine to be the best I can be in the omnium and team pursuit,” Valente said.
Sho-Air TWENTY20 Sports Director Mari Holden shared similar sentiments – “It’s exciting to watch Jennifer’s progression. I truly enjoyed working with her on the road this past season and it is great to see her dedication and work ethic pay off on the track.”
Valente, the reigning USA National Champion won the Omnium Scratch and Points race gold at the USA National Track Cycling Championships, showing her strength and precision speed.
“The two disciplines of track and road keep the challenge fresh and allows me to develop my power and speed while continuing to improve my base level of endurance without overtraining. That endurance is key at the moment with a full load of racing,” Valente added.
