I am a 30 year old competitive middle distance track runner but I have biomechanical problems of the feet that I feel will make it impossible for me to compete at the very highest level as a runner. Is there any ways to be a world class cyclist? I have a good aerobic system with a H.R that does not rise easily in training, plus I have good short distance sprinting speed.

possibly, you will have to do a lot of different kinds of training to reform your leg muscles. check in with a local group in your area and see if you like it first. then go from there

Starting at age 30....I wish you luck. Mind, cyclists come into prominence later than do many athletes, but generally only as a result of long training. The Euros have competitive cycling training the way we have little league and midget football...

Well, it is my understanding that it takes a number of years of cycling to produce a good competitive cyclist. Also in order to be a good competitive cyclist at the top level, you have to be a freak of nature.

Any reasonably fit person can by training routinely turn out feats on a bike (like riding centuries) that leave normal people amazed.

Your age is what I see working against you. It will take about 2 years of cycling for you to get in cycling shape and learn the rudiments of the sport. Now assuming that you are a total freak of nature with astounding physical gifts for cycling, you could get sponsered and move up into the upper levels in 4 or so years. But that makes you 34. Lance Armstrong is 38 and he is considered pretty old for a competitive cyclist. And Lance Armstrong is a freak of nature. I just do not see you overcoming the hurdles to become a top pro cyclist.

Now can you become a highly regarded and respected cyclist in your local area? Certainly.

There are world records to be had riding recumbents. For instance the 12-hour record for women now stands around 241 miles, which many people believe is beatable with a more aerodynamic bike. The 1-hour record in a streamlined HPV is 84 kph, set this summer by Barbara Buatois. You could go after the solo RAAM records. If you want to stay with upright bikes, pay the money and get a good fitting at the best road bike shop near you.

:)ensen.

Only one thing will get you there and it will be hard work. But first get the bike- and then ride it- then ride it again and then join a rcycling club. They will put you on the right track.

Look into Brevets and Randonneuring.

Also for a bike you don't want a crit bike or a time trial bike, you want to start with a good fitting road bike. Once you are comfortable with cycling and being on the roads you can decide where you want to compete and specialize, be it mountain biking, road, distance, cycle cross, etc.

Yvonne McGregor (UK) switched from triathlon and road running to cycling at 29ish because of achilles problems, became multiple national time trial champion, Olympic and commonwelath Games bronze medallist, Commonwealth Games and World championship gold medallist and world hour record holder, all in her 30s.

But she did have the support, after several years, of British Cycling's coaching and financial programme, something not open to riders from their own nation's governing body in most other countries.

The only thing stopping you is you.
The cream rises to the top, even if the coffee is a little old (which you are not, junior).

just go get a freakin bike and ride it.

Youll be like, " Eff runnin"

serious.