Llori Sharpe expects smooth Europe to US transition
Published:Sunday | January 21, 2024 | 12:06 AMLivingston Scott - Gleaner Writer
JAMAICAN CYCLIST Llori Sharpe said she expects her transition from European to American racing to be a smooth one, and that she looks forward to helping her new team to continue reaping success.
Sharpe created history when she signed a one-year contract with Germany cycling team Canyon-SRAM Generation in 2021, to become the first Jamaican cyclist to be contracted to a European team.
She spent two years with the Europeans before deciding to make the switch to the Legion cycling team.
On the American circuit the races are shorter and faster, compared to the longer endurance events in Europe.
Nevertheless, the 23-year-old believes that with the support of her team she can make a quick transition.
“I’m beyond grateful for my time with Canyon-SRAM. But I’m super excited to get going with Legion. The racing will be different and that’ll be something I’ll have to adjust to.
“But I have no doubt that the people I will have around me will guide, advise and assist me in whatever way they can to ensure that my transition from European to American racing is done well,” she said.
The cyclist described her time in Europe as ‘eye-opening’ and said it played a major part in her development.
“It provided me with the opportunity to realise just how competitive the sport truly is and what would be required of me to potentially bridge that gap.
“For the most part, in Europe, the external environment is simply more accommodating for cyclists, so that alone contributed to improvements in my capabilities, as I felt more comfortable outdoors and had easier access to a plethora of routes and terrains that better complemented my training,” explained Sharpe.
“I still have some way to go but I’m less timid when in the bunch and simply more confident in my cycling capabilities, which I’ve undoubtedly gained through racing more frequently and learning from those around me.”
Sharpe admits it will take some adjusting to her new environment; however, she is aiming to get assimilated as soon possible and start contributing to the team, which she notes has a reputation to uphold.
“Given my new team’s highly regarded reputation on the US racing scene, my aim is to contribute to their continued success.
“I hope to be beyond satisfied with my performances throughout the race season and with a contract up to 2025, of course,” she added.