Trebon on his trip to Europe (Image credit: Stijn Vercaemer)
US Champion Ryan Trebon's first trip to Europe didn't turn out the way he had hoped, but the lanky Kona rider is hoping to make waves when he returns in December where an invitation to the Super Prestige series is waiting for him. Jackson Weber spoke with the talented rider about his goals for Cyclingnews.
Trebon made an early trip to the season's first World Cup in Kalmthout, Belgium as part of his greater focus on Europe in an apparent need to seek out the greatest challenge possible.
At first, things looked good: "The races were new, but you kinda get used to the swing of things," said Trebon. "In the first race [the Grand Prix de la Région Wallonne] I got seventh." Unfortunately, things didn't go as planned. In the days leading up to the World Cup, something happened to Trebon's left leg. He still isn't sure what exactly went awry, but his mysterious leg injury cost him dearly, especially against the European competition. Trebon placed a disappointing 42nd.
The injury took him back to the United States sooner than he had hoped. "Well, right now the plan is to get whatever problem I have with my left leg fixed and working better," explained Trebon. "I can race fast with it as is, but I really feel it when I go à bloc. And racing in Europe right now would be even harder than normal with 1.5 legs." The injury also forced Trebon into unplanned time off, which isn't ideal given the brevity and severity of the 'cross season.
Trebon has recovered, mostly. Though the injury still isn't understood, his two recent wins at the New Jersey USGP races show he still has enough to beat whatever the USA racing scene has to offer. The issue of Europe is a different story. "I love racing in Europe but its hard – really hard," continued Trebon. "I think sometimes people don't quite grasp that fact."
Now as the season progresses, Trebon's two major goals for the season start to loom. "I am really looking forward to heading back [to Europe] in December," wrote Trebon. "But I have a ton of work to do before then... I would really like to defend my US Champs jersey in December and then head over to Europe and just be consistently good at all the races. Maybe pull something out at the Hofstade World Cup."
