Comments on: 5 Biggest Obstacles to Racing at the “Pro” Level

By: Heather Nielson

Heather Nielson — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 21:48:00 +0000

You’re absolutely right! ONe of my best friends, who used to race professionally started out as a Rower and was internationally ranked while competing from her home in Canada. She was lucky enough to have the support of her parents while she competed as a rower. You’re right, there’s so many common threads among sports, professional or not.

By: Heather Nielson

Heather Nielson — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 21:43:00 +0000

Hahahaha! You’re awesome Kelly. It’s not very often that someone who is brand new to the sport VOLUNTEERS to do a water-bottle hand -up, which you did perfectly by the way! I’ll be over soon and I’ll show you everything I know my friend. You’re awesome and I’m really glad I met you and feel lucky to be able to call you ‘friend’.

By: Harry Chung

Harry Chung — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 18:40:00 +0000

I rowed for 4 years in college ( and that’s how I started cycling, and I throughly enjoyed the article.
I find rowing and cycling to be very similar: near-zero sponsorship, non spectator friendly nature of the sports, and ultimate fitness that athletes need to achieve in order to success. (unfortunately, there are no “pro” rowers – no one gets paid to row except national team rowers)

despite the sad nature of the sports, and I really do enjoy watching/participating in the sports b/c I, and everyone else who enjoy the sports, know what it takes to play those sports. I think that ties everyone in the circle tighter than other sports fans.

at the same time, I don’t think I’ll race for the reasons that you stated in the article.

By: Heather Nielson

Heather Nielson — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 16:41:00 +0000

Thank you for reading and thank you for your comments! Yes we all learn something from each other everyday don’t we?

By: Kelly

Kelly — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 16:32:00 +0000

I know very little about professional cycling (remember, I just bought my first grocery pannier ), but I am fortunate to live only a few miles away from Heather. Two weeks ago, I had the chance to see her race…and I am hooked. The energy at the race (Nevada City Classic) was almost palpable; Heather was awesome and informative and intense; and I learned a great deal about how it all works. Even better…I took my mom with me. And she had a great time too.

Great article, my friend. Now I just need to get you over to the house to teach me how to clean my bike (which I have never done).

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 14:06:00 +0000

That’s an interesting point about the difference in fan bases of cycling versus the big American sports of football and basketball. I get the sense that the football/basketball fans are living vicariously through their sports stars while most cycling fans at least participate in some way in the sport of cycling. That’s really evident at the big tours where you see hundreds of folks in full kit on the side of the rode, especially on the mountain stages, because they rode their bike to watch the race.

Down here in Florida we don’t have a racing scene like you do there in NorCal but I wish we did (not that I can race) whether it’s men or women. I checked out your website and results. Congrats on some great races.