Portland teen will represent USA at World Championships

Jacob Rathe -- headed to Worlds-7.jpg

Jacob Rathe in his Team USA gear.
(Photos © J. Maus)

17 year-old Jacob Rathe will have a lot to tell his Lincoln High School classmates when he returns to school for his Senior year this fall.

On Monday, he’ll board a plane to Cape Town, South Africa where he’ll compete in the UCI Juniors World Championships.

I caught up with him on the Eastbank Esplanade today to find out more about his past, his preparation, and how he feels going into the biggest race of his life (so far).

Rathe is a quiet, unassuming kid who has been racing since he was 13. From his demeanor, you’d never guess that he’s such a fierce (and fast) competitor.

Earlier this year, Rathe won the Banana Belt race series (near Hagg Lake) while racing against men twice his age. Rathe says racing in Europe and competing alongside pros has opened his eyes and has helped him mature. “I took myself more seriously when I was 14 than I do now… I know now how many good riders there are out there.”

Jacob Rathe -- headed to Worlds-2.jpg

He credits his success to good coaching and help from local bike-racing mentors.

Rathe, dressed in his sharp-looking “Team USA” kit, says coach Butch Martin (a former Olympian himself) has helped him gain a keen “racer’s sense” that gives him an advantage over other Juniors.

A “racer’s sense” he says, is knowing, “…when to go [in a breakaway], who to go with, and knowing your competitors.”

In addition to good coaching, Rathe is the product of Portland’s excellent racing scene. A diverse range of races every week — from circuit races at PIR, the legendary Mt. Tabor criteriums, and track racing at Alpenrose — give Rathe myriad opportunities to test himself.

Jacob Rathe -- headed to Worlds-4.jpg

Rathe, sponsored by Bike n’ Hike,
rides a Giant with an integrated
seat tube.

Local pros like Evan Elken and Doug Ollerenshaw have also acted as mentors for the young racer. “If we’re in a break, and I leave a gap [between his wheel and the person in front of him], they’ll point to where I need to be. That’s what it takes to win.”

Rathe says he’s not nervous for what he calls, “the biggest race I’ve ever done.” At least not yet.

Now an experienced veteran of competition, he says he doesn’t usually get nervous until he gets on the plane and arrives at his hotel.

“You don’t realize what a big deal it is until you get there. I get most nervous when I’m out pre-riding the course… you’re thinking about suffering on the climbs, flying through the corners, the finishing straight… it freaks you out.”

Several years ago, as a fledgling 14 year-old, Rathe says he “didn’t sleep for a week” before competing at Cyclocross Nationals. He ended up calming his nerves enough for second place.

How will he do in South Africa against 100 of the world’s best Junior racers? He’s hoping for a front-of-the-pack finish and at least now, he says, “I know what to expect.”

Jonathan Maus (Publisher/Editor)

Jonathan Maus (Publisher/Editor)

Founder of BikePortland (in 2005). Father of three. North Portlander. Basketball lover. Car owner and driver. If you have questions or feedback about this site or my work, feel free to contact me at @jonathan_maus on Twitter, via email at maus.jonathan@gmail.com, or phone/text at 503-706-8804. Also, if you read and appreciate this site, please become a supporter.

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

11 Comments
oldest
newest most voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Radness
Radness
15 years ago

Go get \’em, Bro!!!

kg
kg
15 years ago

Go Cards!

Evan
Evan
15 years ago

Go Jake!
I\’ve raced with Jake off road plenty of times, although luckily not directly against him. My group always started before Jake\’s, and I knew how well I was doing based on how long it took Jake to catch (and pass) me. He always made it look so easy. Best of luck to you Jake. Dang, that\’s just so cool.

brd
brd
15 years ago

Thanks for this story got tired of the other popular items from today…

kg
kg
15 years ago
Klixi
Klixi
15 years ago

Wow. I wish I was this focused when I was 17. This guy rules, I hope he slaughters the rest! 😉 PDX REPRESENT?!!

Anonymous
Anonymous
15 years ago

I hope he has health insurance…

Qwendolyn
15 years ago

Best wishes to Rathe and, as ktesh always says: \”rubberside down!\”

reenabee
reenabee
15 years ago

that kid rocks. good luck!

Paul
Paul
15 years ago

Make us proud! Give \’em the eye of the tiger!

Ed Manning
15 years ago

Jake is the new Lance. His Mitrochondraial DNA is truly amazing. I get passed by him in almost every race I do.

I wish you the best of luck over there Jacob, come home with a podium finish…