How can I start cycling professionally?

Question

Hello I am a girl of 13 and i really want to have a shot and the 2012 olympics in a cycling event. i dont know what to do about it, how to get started, good bikes, good contacts, what events there are. thanks for all your help.

Answer 1

What kind of racing do you like? At the Olympics there are road, track, mountain bike, and now, BMX races. You can race road, MTB, or BMX most anywhere but to race track you need a velodrome so you'd have to live near one. There are plenty of racers that do more than one discipline as a professional but I think in the Olympics they focus only on one.

You're at a great age to get started. Decide what interests you and go to a local bike shop that sells that type of bike. They will be able to tell you about the local riding and racing scene and hook you up with any juniors programs. They can also tell you about local and regional races and other events. Also, do a google search on 'cycling' and your city. That should point you to some local resources.

I know mostly road racing. For that juniors start at 10 years old so you'd be all set. We're always trying to recruit more girls to the sport so there would be lots of opportunity for you.

Don't worry about the high cost of the sport. If you truly advance and are able to win races and get results you'll get onto a sponsored team and they will help pay for your equipment. In the US there are many pro women's teams that have regional and development squads. I have a friend who is getting her first crack and a big pro race on Team Kenda Tire (road racing).

One more thing, in 2012 you'll be 18 and that's a little young. Cyclists tend to peak in their mid to late 20s. But, Taylor Phinney is competing for the US on the track this year and he's only 18 so you never know. If you make it to the 2012 games I bet you'll make it to the 2016 and 2020 too!

Good luck!

Answer 2

The first step is to contact your local bike shop and/or bike club. Then find out about local events in the type of bike racing you are interested in. Enter a few events and find out if this truly for you. If you find you enjoy it then you will want to seek some help in becoming a more skilled rider. A local bike club should have a few "Pro" riders who can help here. Don't spend your money on a coach till you have some experience, and as far as equipment goes just get a good bike and the related gear, if you don't have a bike, helmet, etc. now expect to have to come up with at least $1200.00 or more to get started.

Answer 3

contact your local cycling club and they can appoint a coach for you.

they can also give you an idea of which bike to choose.

it all depends on wether you wish to ride at the track(veledrome)or on the road.on the track they use a bike which is especially designed,it is called a fixed wheel bike because you cant change gears on them and they dont have brakes.and of course road bikes do have gears and brakes.it can be a very expensive sport requiring a lot of training.

the bikes themselves can cost anything up to $13,000-(THAT'S HOW MUCH MY BROTHERS COST)each wheel costs $2,500-.

his training is to ride about 500km per week.ARE YOU UP TO IT?

OR SHOULD I SAY ARE YOUR PARENTS?