Road bicycle racing and sponsors...?

Question

If I was to get into road racing, would I need sponsors? If so, would I go for a bunch of smaller companies? Or would I try to get one big company?

Answer 1

you're going to be starting as a cat 5 racer. you'll get moved up based on your performance. try to hook up with a local shop that has a team. they may afford you some training tips and wrench support on race day, but don't expect any sort of financial support until <<maybe>> cat 2, more likely cat 1. still most pros aren't making a living at it, and they band together to wrench there own bikes, cook meals etc. get on a local team and get good, the regional teams will notice you..

Answer 2

suggest you join a cycling club and get in training when your good enough for racing then talk to a local team for a tryout

Answer 3

No, you don't need sponsors and if you are just getting into racing trying to find a sponsor of any type is hard. Your best bet is a local bike shop (probably the shop you got your bike from.) and they normally only give a discount on store items or free bike tune-ups. Once you get established and prove yourself you can normally get the shop to step up their support some. Now if your racing and winning can generate shop sales you gain bargaining leverage for support. As a starting racer just don't get discouraged no one is going to just give stuff away.