Let's put it this way. I ride as much or more than you do. I am 33, a woman, and 80 lbs overweight.

My brother was a professional rider for several years. He was VERY good, but VERY good is not the same as gainfully employed. He holds numerous Junior amateur records that still stand.

He was tremendously dedicated, hard working, did nothing else but ride, and still never made it to the tour. He made perhaps 20k a year and had to room with various families in Belgium that support cyclists. He had to learn to speak Flemish. He would ride in races that had payouts in food. Yes, at one point he raced for sausage. He raced constantly to make ends meet.

He had many connections in the racing world and had sponsors and coaches. He put more miles on his bikes than I did on my cars. To be a proracer means to make big sacrifices with little chance for returns. Be ready for it.