Originally Posted by
Dan333SP
Not saying Phil didn't make a mistake, but he did mention in his first video about the track racing endeavor that he got into competitive cycling as a junior on the track, and continued to train on the track until he was in his early 20s (10+ years ago), so he isn't completely inexperienced. Personally I hope he recovers fully and gives the Olympic team a shot. His first attempt at the individual pursuit would have gotten him silver at US nationals the year before, so clearly he has the talent to make the cut. Maybe he should stick to the individual events, though.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S48SMejuhRA
Track skills are a “use it or lose it” kind of thing. Taking 10 years off is like starting from scratch.
He may know the rules, but his brain has forgotten the curves of the track and the buck of the fixed hub.
Imagine being a F1 driver then taking 10 years off for family or other career. One can’t just jump back in at those speeds. There has to be an adaptation period.