AP Graduating Senior Spotlight

Name: Jacob Gilson Hometown: Niskayuna, NY Years on AP: 3 Favorite Cycling Discipline: Cyclocross College Attending: UConn Major: Elementary Education Q:What have been the most significant lessons you've learned from being part of AP Jr Development during your time in youth cycling? A:I think the most important thing I learned is this sport is really hard, and as much as you have to take it seriously and train hard, you also really need to enjoy it and have fun. You only have 2-3 years of top tier racing, have fun while you're there. Q:As you look back on your AP Jr Development career, what achievements are you most proud of, and how do you plan to build upon them in college? A: I’m really proud of being able to complete the Breck Epic stage race. This 6 day race at altitude really pushed me to the limit sometimes, but I pushed through all the negative thoughts and finished. I am planning on building off of this to do more endurance based events, I am already signed up for an Ironman next year but I’d also like to do Leadville and Unbound sometime in the future. Q:Can you describe a particularly challenging moment you faced as an athlete during your cycling career and how you overcame it? A: Actually my first race with AP, The Tour of Battenkill, this was going to be my longest race at the time, and at around mile 10 I got in an attack with my friend Evan Boyle and teammate and close friend now Ryan Avery but got dropped off sitting solo in 3rd and I missed a turn and went about 2 miles downhill the wrong way before realizing I was off course. But I pushed myself hard to the finish and came home in 6th, but after being upset for a few minutes the rest of my teammates at the race cheered me up and I decided I needed to move on and look forward to the next race. Jacob Gilson