am i too old to start racing/ trying to be a pro

[jamma]

Would a bronze BC race licence be enough to ztart or should i buy silver and purchase a full race licence after ?

 

[vickster]

Would a bronze BC race licence be enough to ztart or should i buy silver and purchase a full race licence after ?

@Cuchilo might know?

 

[OskarTennisChampion]

Are you the fellow that can't decide between the £3.5 K Giant and the Cervelo ?
I admire your decision to start at near the top if you are

 

[huwsparky]

Haven't had a look at that to be honest think i go and try racing and fall back on it if need be

Good plan, get them miles in dude.

 

[OskarTennisChampion]

Good plan, get them miles in dude.

500 miles a week is a good starting point,average speed 25 MPH

 

[DCLane]

@jamma - I'd suggest start with a provisional licence and try your first 4th cat race. If you're anywhere near the first 10 then you'll know you're quick enough.

Alternatively if you're out the back before the end of the first lap then you'll know you're not quick enough and/or there's a lot of work to do.

 

[smutchin]

I think the thing that makes elite sportspeople stand out is their competitive nature. They don't ask what's possible, they just go out and do it, whatever it takes. How motivated is the OP?

I interviewed Taylor Phinney a few months ago. I was asking him questions about his recovery from injury and particular races he'd won, and soon realised from his answers that we might as well have been speaking different languages. It's almost impossible to relate the experience of the amateur cycling enthusiast to that of the pro. You have to be of a very particular mindset to be a professional sportsman. Plus as has been mentioned, you need the right genetics - and Taylor Phinney has about the best genes possible to be a bike racer.

OK, so you could still be a competent professional cyclist without being anywhere near his level but if you're 22 and need to ask the question... nah, you haven't got a chance.

I occasionally ride with a few guys who have reached Elite level, one even spent a couple of seasons riding in Belgium as a pro, but they gave up before getting very far. They can still make mincemeat of the likes of me, and make it look very easy, but even they don't have what it takes to succeed at that level.

 

[screenman]

Would a bronze BC race licence be enough to ztart or should i buy silver and purchase a full race licence after ?

Have you been in your club long?

 

[CaadX]

Don't let any of this put you off have a go ! You can get to elite with talent and hard work, to get to pro ? Now that's a whole different kettle of fish.

 

[Cuchilo]

@Cuchilo might know?

Silver gives you a provisional race licence with the option to upgrade to a full one .

 

[jamma]

Are you the fellow that can't decide between the £3.5 K Giant and the Cervelo ?
I admire your decision to start at near the top if you are

Yes i am but probably going with the cervelo

 

[jamma]

Silver gives you a provisional race licence with the option to upgrade to a full one .

Thanks @Cuchilo

 

[jamma]

Have you been in your club long?

6 months to a year just have a fan membership which the club said was okay

 

[screenman]

6 months to a year just have a fan membership which the club said was okay

Are you doing a time trial this week? if not why not as that would be an easy starting point.

 

[jamma]

Are you doing a time trial this week? if not why not as that would be an easy starting point.

I am going to do my own time trial friday night but theres no club time trial till the 28th april