Cycling:The difference between continental and pro team riders?

Question

How come Continental riders cant keep up with the pro riders?

Do the pro riders simply train much more?

Answer 1

Continental riders can keep up with Pro (or Division I riders) and they frequently race together. In the Tour de France there were several Continental teams alongside the big Pro teams (Garmin-Chipotle, AG2R, etc.). Also, riders frequently move back and forth from DI to DII depending on where their careers take them. DI is the place to be since the salaries are higher but DII is better than not riding.