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The Team USA juniors wrapped up their classics block at Paris-Roubaix with pre-race favorite Ashlin Barry securing an impressive second place after a highly tactical finale.
For many of Barry’s teammates farther back in the pack, including Enzo Hincapie, the focus was on simply finishing the race.
We witnessed some amazing riding in all categories during Paris-Roubaix this year, but nothing made me more emotional than watching the video of Hincapie running with his bike to finish the juniors race in the Roubaix Velodrome.
Full disclosure, I am Enzo’s coach and have seen him grow up and progress in cycling from up close for many years now, but seeing his grit and determination in this situation dwarfs any race result or data point that he has reached in training.
I can only imagine what was going on in his young 16-year-old head as he ran towards and into the velodrome with everyone watching. But at least in my eyes, he showed the mentality that it takes to succeed in the sport of cycling.
The running shoes in question. (Photo: Courtesy, Enzo Hincapie)
Most riders have more bad days than good in this demanding sport, so you must learn to overcome obstacles and push through adversity. Hincapie’s resilience was just one of many examples of this that we witnessed last weekend, but the experiences at Paris-Roubaix will serve as valuable lessons for the future, both on and off the bike.
Hincapie shared his experiences with me shortly after the race, highlighting the challenges of racing on the cobbles and the crucial role of mindset in cycling.
Despite facing crashes and bike issues, he persevered to finish, even running the last 2 kilometers until his dad handed him a teammate’s bike so he could cross the line on two wheels.
Bike racing is a demanding sport with numerous uncontrollable variables that can influence the outcome. While riders begin each event with aspirations of performing at their best, often the most inspirational stories emerge from those at the back of the race rather than the front.
I had the opportunity to sit down with Enzo Hincapie and ask him about his first experience racing on the cobbles in Roubaix, as well as his first trip to Europe with the Team USA juniors.
George Hincapie and Enzo after Paris-Roubaix Juniors. (Photo: Brecht Decaluwé/Velo)
Interview with Enzo Hincapie
Bobby Julich: What did you learn from your first experience racing with the USA National Junior Team over the past three weeks?
Enzo Hincapie: I learned that it’s just a completely different world. You always must be aware of your surroundings, of everyone else around you, and always pay attention. If you give an inch, they’ll take a mile. Positioning is super important, and you can’t slack off at any moment in any of the races, especially in Roubaix.
BJ: What was your first Paris-Roubaix experience like?
EH: It was obviously really sketchy but that’s part of it. It was just an unfortunate day with a couple crashes and then some bike problems, but I just kept fighting to finish the race. It was just a very hard day overall. I feel like if you don’t have the right mindset then it’ll just be an off-day. I think it’s important just to see where you are. Riding the most iconic race, on the most iconic cobbles in the world, with the crowds of people on the sectors cheering you on is amazing. Everything about this race is beautiful, but it can be very unforgiving. I feel like that’s the cool part about it.
BJ: We all saw you running around the famous velodrome in Roubaix on social media and later found out that you had to run the last two kilometers until your dad handed you a teammate’s bike so you could finish. Explain what happened there.
EH: I crashed twice and then my derailleur was pretty messed up. The three biggest gears were a problem to ride in. I was just riding towards the finish and eventually the derailleur just snapped off. In my mind, it seemed easier to just wait for the broom wagon, but at the same time I’ve never been raised to be a quitter. It was my first experience, and I just wanted to finish no matter what.
BJ: Will you be back in Roubaix next year?
EH: Yeah for sure! I’m going to come in more prepared and strive for a better result.
BJ: What was your favorite memory of your trip over there with the Team USA boys?
EH: I would either be racing E3 or my win in Germany. Racing over the Paterberg and the Kwaremont was a great experience and super cool with all the people. Taking home my first European UCI race win was also a really great experience. I was super happy to come home with that win, the youth jersey, the sprint jersey, and second on GC.