Jurekovic signs with Sho-Air

By Sue George

Up and coming American racer Sam Jurekovic has signed with Team Sho-Air for the 2009 season. The 22 year-old Jurekovic is making the move from USA Cycling's U23 Developmental Team. He will team up with his new team-mates Australian cross country star Sid Taberlay and endurance racer Manuel Prado.

"I'm really excited. I'm looking forward to riding and racing with Sid Taberlay. I think I can learn a lot from him," said Jurekovic, who resides in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he is studying English and working on teaching certificate full-time at the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs.

"I hope to qualify for Olympics in 2012," said Jurekovic, who also enjoys studying history. "For 2009, I'd like to consistently be in the top five in the National Series Races. I want to support Sid as much as I can and help him get the best results he can. I'd also like to be on the podium at the US National Championships."

Jurekovic logged some strong results in 2008. Racing with more established elites, he finished fourth in the cross country race at the National Mountain Bike Series (NMBS) events in Fontana, California and Windham, New York. He also placed second at the Cactus Cup, where he got a chance to compete with World Champion Christoph Sauser.

"I didn't expect to be up there. It was a good way to finish off the season," said Jurekovic of his Cactus Cup experience.

Team Manager Scott Tedro was delighted with the signing of Jurkovic. "We feel he is the finest young talent for the future in the US." Tedro added that as Taberlay's protégé, Jurekovic would have the chance to learn when to be aggressive and when to protect his position.