Becoming a professional later in life.

[Unsytherhino]

I think Phil Gaimons book gives a decent insight of what it takes to make it into the pros, worth a read.

 

[Escarabajo]

So I just read this thread. LOL at the responses.

So basically what I got from reading this:

- The OP has confusion because there is similitude between being a pro and being and amateur or just being a club rider. There is lack of knowledge on the sport. Still wants to be a pro. Strange.
- Has no bike yet and wants to be a pro. Weird, very weird. Why does he want to be a pro out of a blue? Why cycling? There has to be some honest explanation from him if expects other people to be honest with him. Usually people are related to a sport for a reason or several reasons. At least there must be a story.

My answer:

- Unless he is a freak of nature he is already too late for being a pro. Remember that is not just VO2 max but skills on a bike. Soler started late and he is now retired for his lack of skills unfortunately.
- For being an amateur or just occasional or local competition, he is still on time. But he needs to get on a bike, ride many miles in order to see if he even like it.

I'll suggest the OP to buy the bike without any pressure whatsoever and see if he enjoys it and see if he has the talent. Even if you don't make it to the pros you'll enjoy destroying those club riders if you have the talent.

 

[jens_attacks]

Team sky just announced that they signed markene for two years, will lead the team at the vuelta!!

 

[Singer01]

Good luck to the OP, I hope he enjoys cycling at least and finds a sport that betters his life.

Realistically the chances are slim.

I live in the UK, its like me saying I'm going to start training to join the NBA, I enjoyed playing basketball as kid.
I'm going to start training next week and buy a ball and some shoes.
Is my goal realistic? I'm also 23. 6'3 and 180lbs with background in cycling.

except it isn't like that at all is it? because the technical skills involved in basketball are about a million times more complicated.
if there was any sport i think someone could take up late in life relying on good genetics i'd probably pick cycling or running.

 

[Arnout]

Good luck to the OP, I hope he enjoys cycling at least and finds a sport that betters his life.

Realistically the chances are slim.

I live in the UK, its like me saying I'm going to start training to join the NBA, I enjoyed playing basketball as kid.
I'm going to start training next week and buy a ball and some shoes.
Is my goal realistic? I'm also 23. 6'3 and 180lbs with background in cycling.

except it isn't like that at all is it? because the technical skills involved in basketball are about a million times more complicated.
if there was any sport i think someone could take up late in life relying on good genetics i'd probably pick cycling or running.

It takes 5-10 years before your body is fully adjusted to the sport of cycling though.

 

[Singer01]

Good luck to the OP, I hope he enjoys cycling at least and finds a sport that betters his life.

Realistically the chances are slim.

I live in the UK, its like me saying I'm going to start training to join the NBA, I enjoyed playing basketball as kid.
I'm going to start training next week and buy a ball and some shoes.
Is my goal realistic? I'm also 23. 6'3 and 180lbs with background in cycling.

except it isn't like that at all is it? because the technical skills involved in basketball are about a million times more complicated.
if there was any sport i think someone could take up late in life relying on good genetics i'd probably pick cycling or running.

It takes 5-10 years before your body is fully adjusted to the sport of cycling though.

not saying its likely, just more likely that someone could succeed as the technical side of cycling is of less importance, look at froome, he looks like a pepperami dry humping his bike.

 

[moodydoherty]

I'm just going to enjoy riding. No expectations. No dreams. Just fun.

 

[Jancouver]

Re:

I'm just going to enjoy riding. No expectations. No dreams. Just fun.

Did you get a bike already? If not, this bike is on sale at Walmart. It may be a good starter bike for a newbie rider. Perfect for cruising around and even hauling cargo etc

 

[alspacka]

Cancellera's put his old bike up for sale.

 

[King Boonen]

Cancellera's put his old bike up for sale.

Has he left the motor in it?

I might be interested then!

 

[Singer01]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/get-inspired/31487186

there you go, live your dream.

 

[huge]

Re:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/get-inspired/31487186

there you go, live your dream.

Gaby is an amazing athlete. But she is an exception, a case in a million.

First of all there is far far less competition in women cycling. So the way up to pro cycling is much easier (easier, not easy!!). That said, either you are an undiscovered exceptional natural talent (as she obviously is) or you don't stand a chance.

If you are a talent, things should improve pretty fast! And when I say fast, I mean really fast.

 

[Escarabajo]

Re: Re:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/get-inspired/31487186

there you go, live your dream.

Gaby is an amazing athlete. But she is an exception, a case in a million.

First of all there is far far less competition in women cycling. So the way up to pro cycling is much easier (easier, not easy!!). That said, either you are an undiscovered exceptional natural talent (as she obviously is) or you don't stand a chance.

If you are a talent, things should improve pretty fast! And when I say fast, I mean really fast.

+1.

If you are a huge natural talent your friends in your first groupd rides will let you now quickly. It is easy to see.

 

[Irondan]

This thread was moved from the PRR forum.

Dan