How does one become a pro biker?
 

Hey,

I was curious on how people who want to take there biking to the next level get started. How can a person get a sponsorship or get noticed in general. :eek:

Thanks,
Jim

If you're in the U.S., join the USCF (United States Cycling Federation). Race local races and win. Then race regional races and win. Then race national races and win. Good luck in you endeavors.

yep. you gotta start local. join a team as well, learn all the tactics. as you earn points you can move up in categories and become nationally ranked. win enough races and someone will notice.

Just out of curiosity, What type of money do the top pro cyclist make? I saw that Floyd Landis won $15,000 at the TOC last weekend.

Last year a BICYCLING story listed what money various cyclists made from amatuer racers through shop owners to pro riders. See if you can find the list. Lance of course made something like $25,000,000 that last year as a pro. #2 was something like $100,000. #3 was something like $40,000 as head of the LAB or some such. Lots of bike mechanics and shop owners were making something like $8,000-$20,000 a year and had to have other jobs to live. Dead last was an amatuer who got maybe $10. as a prize in a race. One rich one, a couple with good livings, and a whole lot who only did it for the love of the sport.

It can get worse than that ... ever hear of the term "toe strap race" ?

No money awarded, just what ever the sponsoring bike shop has laying around ... 38 hole rims, size 20 shoes (metric), pink toe straps ...

jw

LOL. That cracked me up. 38 hole rims... :D