Originally Posted by
JohnnyWill
Hello Everyone
Hiiiiiiiiii Will....
Originally Posted by
JohnnyWill
I would like to know your thoughts about the professional cyclist’s career path and how it relates to my situation.
okeley-dokely
Originally Posted by
JohnnyWill
All of my life I have been an ardent cyclist but have never taken up the sport competitively. I have been thinking about racing for some time but have been unable to do so while in school as I have had to balance my studies with part-time work to pay for my education. I have ridden in the past with accomplished cyclists and always done well. I just have not formally raced. Now that I have graduated from college I am looking at cycling as a career with more seriousness. Currently I am working in a job that, while undesirable, allows me ample time to train daily (and relocate if necessary as the work is freelance).
Hmm...
Originally Posted by
JohnnyWill
Clearly I am very confident in my abilities and dedicated to earning a livelihood from bicycle racing as soon as possible so that I can quit my current job and devote myself entirely to the sport.
Clearly
Originally Posted by
JohnnyWill
I am very disciplined and motivated and I ride everyday.
That's a start...
Originally Posted by
JohnnyWill
What is the minimum amount of calendar time in which one can go from Cat 5 to Professional?
It could probably be done in a few months, maybe faster if you are 18 or under.
Originally Posted by
JohnnyWill
Is it necessary to be a Cat 1 racer in order to turn professional?
Don't believe so
Originally Posted by
JohnnyWill
Could a very impressive Cat 3 rider, for instance, catch the eye of a team and turn pro or is their some kind of rule that forbids any but Cat 1 riders from upgrading to Pro status?
Regardless, it is unlikely that a team is going to pick up a cat 3. If you are so good that you could be a pro you should have no trouble upgrading out of cat 3.
Originally Posted by
JohnnyWill
It seems crazy that a rider who is capable of professional-level riding would have to waste time in Cat 5-Cat 2 in order to get enough points to “upgrade”.
It seems crazy that someone would think they could just jump to the head of the line... A professional-level rider would be able to move up through the ranks so quickly as any "wasting of time" to be irrelevant.
Originally Posted by
JohnnyWill
If a Cat 5 rider goes out and posts times similar to Cat 1 rider wouldn’t it be insensible to limit him to upgrading only to Cat 4?
The only time there is any "posting of times" is in TTs and they are only representative of steady-state power not racing ability.
Originally Posted by
JohnnyWill
I have not found any information about this kind of case but it seems that USACycling would have to allow exceptional riders to skip Categories if they consistently demonstrate their ability.
Again it doesn't take much to upgrade if you are exceptional you would blow through the categories.
Originally Posted by
JohnnyWill
My urgency stems from my desire to join a team as soon as possible so that I can start making a living from my riding.
