Taylor Phinney Announces Olympic Comeback Targeting LA28 Team Pursuit

Three-time Olympian Taylor Phinney is returning to competitive cycling with a specific and ambitious goal: racing at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. After retiring from professional road racing in 2019, the 35-year-old is shifting his focus back to the track, aiming to secure a spot on the U.S. Men’s team pursuit squad.

The Road to “COMEBACK3000”

Phinney’s return didn’t start as an Olympic bid. According to Phinney, the process began as a low-pressure return to gravel racing to see how his legs responded. But, what started as a casual return “snowballed” into a full-scale Olympic dream, a journey he has dubbed “COMEBACK3000.”

The transition was fueled by encouragement from USA Cycling and Phinney’s wife, professional cyclist Kasia Niewiadoma. While Phinney initially laughed off the idea, the prospect of closing the final loop of his cycling career became a primary motivator.

Returning to the Velodrome

The track is where Phinney first achieved significant success, including winning the World Championships in the individual pursuit in 2009, and 2010. However, he previously abandoned the track when his specialty event, the individual pursuit, was removed from the Olympic program, leading him to commit fully to road racing.

Now, Phinney is targeting the Team Pursuit, a discipline where the U.S. Men’s squad has recently made significant strides. This return requires a rigorous adjustment period, including:

• Physical Conditioning: Intensive gym work to regain the strength required for track sprinting.
• Technical Refinement: Re-adapting to the time trial (TT) position, which Phinney noted he hadn’t used in approximately seven years.
• Team Integration: Transitioning back into a team-based environment after years of retirement and individual gravel racing.

Early Progress and Outlook

Phinney has been training properly since November and has already completed his first camp with the national squad. He expressed satisfaction with how he slotted into the group, noting that the energy and vibe of the current team are “top notch.” With two years to prepare for the LA28 games, Phinney intends to continue stepping up his performance to earn his place on the roster.

Key Takeaways: Phinney’s Comeback

• Target Event: Men’s Team Pursuit at the LA28 Olympics.
• Career History: Retired in 2019 after racing for teams including Trek-Livestrong, BMC Racing Team, and EF Education First.
• Motivation: A desire to return to the track and a family connection to the LA Games, where his parents won medals 44 years prior.
• Current Status: Back in training since November and integrating with the USA Cycling squad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Taylor Phinney retire in 2019?

Phinney retired from professional road racing in 2019 after a career that included wins at the National Time Trial Championships and a stage win at the Giro d’Italia.

What is the Team Pursuit in track cycling?

The team pursuit is a track event where a squad of cyclists works together to complete a set distance in the fastest time possible, utilizing a drafting strategy to maximize speed.

Has Phinney won World Championships before?

Yes, Taylor Phinney won the World Championships in the individual pursuit in both 2009 and 2010.