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First Native American Racer Blazes Trail at Tour de France

Associated Press

   LE PECQ, FRANCE - A late draft to the Tour de France, Neilson Powless
   didn't have time to scramble together a turtle necklace, the spirit
   animal of his Native American tribe, or paint one of their wampum bead
   belts on the frame of the bike that he's ridden for three punishing
   weeks, over 3,300 kilometers of roads.

   But although unable to carry the Oneida Tribe's symbols with him, the
   Tour rookie has become a powerful symbol himself as the first tribally
   recognized Native North American to have raced in the 117-year-old
   event.

   Not only has Powless survived cycling's greatest and most grueling
   race, he distinguished himself in a crop of exciting young talents who
   helped set this Tour alight. Crossing the finish in Paris on Sunday
   will, he hopes, resonate on reservations back in the United States.

   "My main hope is that I can be a positive role model for young
   Indigenous kids who have a lot going against them," Powless, who turned
   24 during the race, told The Associated Press. "I think finishing the
   Tour de France is a testament to years of hard work and dedication to a
   lifelong dream. Hopefully I can help drive kids to setting their mind
   to a goal and going after it."

   "It must make it a lot easier when you can see somebody else who is
   doing it, or has done it," he added.

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