Lukas Adomonis competing at 2013 Track Nationals in Dieppe, NB
I’ve always loved to ride my bike and race - I have a passion for both and it’s undeniable. I can never stay away for too long without getting called back to the world of cycling. Evidence of that showed when I was seriously concussed at 2013 track nationals, but was racing cross by late October, and when I broke my leg in the winter, but returned to race the Tour of Bowness this season.
Large obstacles have always been in the path of my racing career, as I move up the levels to race as a pro. But none have been insurmountable; I’ve overcome each with a bigger desire for success than before.
Logically, when I was offered the opportunity to race with a development team for the summer, and the chance to compete at pro events against established pro racers, I eagerly accepted.
Giant Langley Smart Savvy Team 2016 with Juventus riders Lukas Adomonis and Mason Burtnik
Always time for cyclocross -
I began training as hard as I ever have during the winter months. So it may seem puzzling (even to myself as I write this update), why when given the same opportunity, and a chance to improve once again this season, I decided to turn it down - giving up on a possible pro career in cycling when it seemed so close.
This past season can best be described as a rollercoaster, filled with both great moments and disappointments; however, I don’t regret a second of it. I value the opportunity and experience gained more than almost any other thing I’ve done. What this season showed me, more than anything, is that the passion for riding and racing that I’ve had forever, isn’t the same as my passion for a pro career.
Prioritizing education in 2017 -
I’ve decided to take a step back for three main reasons: I want to embrace the experiences of being a young adult, and part of an amazing university community that otherwise might have been missed; I can prioritize my education that had previously placed on the backburner, as I realize I enjoy my schooling more and more each year; and finally, so I can continue to fully enjoy the passion I have for bicycles and racing - except this year it will be on my terms and hopefully feel like less of a chore.
So while the updates of my travels and elite racing experiences may disappear for the next year, many of you Juventus members will continue to see me at the clubhouse training my butt off, out on the road for the club rides, and battling for the podium in the local Cat 1/2 Alberta races. Most of all, I hope to see all of you on the bike in the near future.
BC Superweek 2016 was intense -
Looking forward to more cycling -