Opinions Wanted -- DNA or Dedication?

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07-22-07, 04:01 PM

#26

Voodoo76

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Quote:

Originally Posted by OTB

A genetically average person can certainly make it to Cat 2 (or above) by training 10-20 hours a week, and racing 3-4 weekends a month. Plus, and this is key, he/she has to do that for several years in a row.

To some extent I agree with this, however don't think the tenacious rider is necessarly raising or overcoming a genetic limit. I took the long road to Cat 2, looking back I don't think I was genetically average so much as I was mis-guided. With the right training IMO I would have made it in a year.

That's the hard part in determining what the contribution of either factor is. You can't go genetically "over your head" regardless of how hard or long you train. But you can certanly get discouraged and give up before you figure out how to get there.

An additional mental factor in cycling. I've known quite a few riders who were beasts and just didn't have the nerve to mix it up. A "Fear Factor" that doesn't exist in say running.