As the main Wenzel Coach for Oregon, Jonathan Puskas focuses on developing racers and endurance athletes in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest. With a passion for training and racing, Jonathan currently participates and coaches in nearly every cycling discipline (road, track, cyclocross, and time trial). In addition, he brings a strong ultra-endurance running/triathlon background.

A former nationally ranked ski racer, Jonathan began cycling as a method of cross training in the early '80s. In the ensuing years, he founded the University of Notre Dame Cycling Team, raced as an amateur in France, managed the NW Velo Cycling Team (www.nwvelo.com) and completed three Ironman triathlons.

As a team manager, Jonathan has provided coaching assistance to riders for the past 2 seasons helping many riders reach their personal goals. He is most proud of his ability to help "everyday athletes" balance personal responsibilities and still accomplish remarkable achievements. With a spouse, two dogs, and a full-time job, Jonathan clearly understands the challenges "everyday life" can place on training. However, he believes he can help anyone train to race or complete their first ultra-endurance event (whether it be a double-century, Ironman triathlon, or ultra-marathon).

For the 2002 season, Jonathan will focus on developing amateur riders and triathletes. He is also developing an Ironman-distance Triathlon program based upon the Wenzel Coaching philosophy that will be available in the fall of 2002.

Jonathan has a Bachelor of Arts in Romance Languages - French (Cum Laude) as well as a Master of Business Administration (Magna Cum Laude) from the University of Notre Dame. When he is not coaching and managing he works in marketing for Intel.

Jonathan believes his longevity for the sport can be attributed to excellent mentors/coaches who helped him build a strong foundation early in his career. By combining scientific training methods with extensive experience, he hopes to provide others with a similar foundation.

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