6 Things You Have to Know Before You Start a Cycling Career

Cycling is more than just a great way to get a full-body workout; it’s a popular sport around the world and it’s not uncommon for great cyclists to become celebrities in their country and internationally. It’s also a career that can be rewarding and lucrative. However, it’s anything but easy, and you have to be ready for the challenge that comes with it. You also need to know if you have what it takes to have a chance at succeeding. Here are a few things you’ll need to know before you start a career as a cyclist.

Nutrition Plays a Huge Part

Cycling is a very competitive sport and people push themselves to the limit. And often, those who have the best medical and nutrition team in their corner get that edge. Nutrition plays a huge role in cycling since it’s one of the most physically demanding competition sports you can find.

You will need to ride in difficult weather and ride for miles. You will not only need stamina but physical strength as well. All of this requires that you treat your body like a well-oiled machine and know which foods you need to not only build strength during training but have the energy needed to complete races.

It Will Cost You

There are many costs associated with being a professional cyclist. First, there’s the bike. Depending on the type of cycling you want to do, you’re looking at least $8,000 for a competition caliber bike. Then you have to invest in additional equipment like a cyclocomputer, protection gear, lights, clothing, etc. You then have to think about hiring a trainer and all that it entails. So what do you do? Bet your savings?

There are also costs you may have not have thought about, like bike insurance for instance. There is always a risk that you end up in an accident and damage your bike, or you could get into a collision with another person and injure them, which may get you into legal trouble.

Services like Veloinsurance, however, offer bicycle insurance that will cover you for things like liability and physical damage to your bike. They will also cover the bike against theft, which is very important. Also, they even offer things like roadside assistance. These are all things that could end up saving you if you get into a sticky situation.

Training is Tough

Cyclists go through a particularly grueling process and have to train hard almost every day. Some experts estimate that a cyclist has to expect to be on their bike at least two hours per day, 5 days a week to have a chance, and that’s at the beginner level. Then there’s all the training that goes outside of that.

Advanced cyclists can train up to 6 hours per day including cardio and strength training. If you’re not ready to put in long hours cycling and you hate the gym, this is definitely not for you. However, if you feel you have the discipline needed and the drive, you could thrive if you’re willing to put in the work others won’t.

There is More than One Way to Make it

People are rarely into one type of cycling only and you could have a chance at making it if you open your horizons. The competition is not as fierce in arenas like mountain biking, for instance. Others decide to go for acrobatics or even BMX competition. Who knows, maybe you could have a knack for motocross racing? Look at all of your options and if you feel like tour cycling is out of reach for you, consider something more accessible.

Start with Local Competitions

We suggest you get into smaller events around where you live. It’s a great way to make your bones and get ready for the competitive aspect. Many municipalities will hold 5K races you could join. This will not only give you an idea of how good you are but also let you know if you actually like competing. 

Not only that, but you’ll also get the chance to refine your skills. As you get better, you can start eyeing bigger competitions and get better after time.

Riding May Not be Your Main Source of Income

You should also know that most cyclists don’t only make money from competition. As a matter of fact, sponsorships are a big source of revenue for most of them.

This also means that you’ll need to be resourceful as a new rider and try to find sponsorships early in your career. If you’re getting early success, you could approach smaller businesses in your area and see if they would be interested in sponsoring you. Finding a good sponsor early on could give you the financial boost needed to take your career to the next plateau.

So, if you want to become a pro rider, you’ll have to be ready to go through the gauntlet. You also have to make sure that you have a solid war chest and the determination needed to rise to the top.