Some of them are praised, sought after, and paid well without even winning a single major race in their entire career. While the amateurs look at sport in terms of results, some of the real professionals are paid for other values. It’s lovely, it’s great but as soon as the curtain hits the ground, you are done. Cyclist’s career, based on its duration, might be compared to one of the ballet dancers. Cyclists like Erik Zabel, who was winning stages in his forties, are a rare exception. For example, the Rolling Stones may not play so often at the age of sixty, but they still do tour the world. This is not fair if compared with other professions indeed. On average, cyclists take part in the big races at around the age of 25 but there are only a few that keep on racing over thirty. Once you join the professional team, you will be surprised how quickly will your career fade out. You can be incredibly good winning local races but to move up to the real professional level is such a strenuous step that only the professionals know. © Profimedia 2. You might have a great band performing successfully, seeing yourself as a real pro, but there still will be a hopeless gap between you and Metallica.

It’s quite similar to the world of professional music. You can be incredibly good winning local races but to move up to the real professional level is such a strenuous step that only the professionals know. Your desire and will would initiate the process in the beginning, yet soon you’d be astounded how demanding the whole task evolve to be. The way of becoming a pro cyclist is not a result of an internal decision but rather a part of managed coincidences. The first surprise is the most disappointing: your dream of becoming a cycling professional is probably not about to happen.

How to become a professional road racer