Getting into Professional cycling in SA

[Elvin]

Is there anyone here with some insight on the topic?

 

I'm not from a family of aspiring cyclists, so it'sdifficult to place how things work in the pro cycling world, especially becauseSA pro cycling isn't documented on the web like you would find if you searchedfor pro cycling in Europe or the US, the “local pages” on Google doesn't offermuch info.

 

This is what I could find out... you don't do it for thesalary!

 

Entry level pro’s earn like ± R5k pm, the top Guys earnabout R25k( is this even correct?)

 

So what I couldn't find out is how the process work of oneday finding yourself part of a pro team. Is it as simple as just competing in races,finishing with the main peloton until someone from a team eventually spots you?

 

 How do they find newtalent?

 

 

[The_Break]

I can tell you one thing. Just finishing in the pack is not going to get you noticed anywhere in the world. There are a bunch of others trying to do the same.

 

There is much to consider when trying to make it into a pro team in SA:

 

Coach - get yourself a really good coach. Pick him carefully as you normally only get one shot. He has to believe in you (or the possibility of the impossible with you) otherwise you will not believe in yourself.

 

Life plan - You need to start thinking and planning ahead. Unless you have got huge talent, the process of getting good, having the time and money to do this and everything else required is a long process. SO start planning and moving toward it. It is a hard road, but a very rewarding one no matter how far you progress so long as you see the journey as the goal and not the result. Reality is not everyone makes it.

 

There is so much more and there is no real set way to get into a pro team. It is a path you need to work out, but yes there are ways to increase your chances. If you want some more advice send me a PM. I never road with a ful pro team setup, but I did manage to ride fulltime for a few years and did even make some money out of it. Not much, but I achieved the dream.

 

Oh, and your figures of what guys in SA earn are probably close, especially at the lower end. The money is in EU and USA. If you can get there go for it. USA being easier than EU purely because of the language barrier unless you have someone to show you the ropes and help you make contacts. Like I said, you need to have a plan to work all of this out.

Edited November 22, 2010 by The_Break

[Elvin]

thanks for your reply, luckily I'm a realist and am under no illusion to what it takes, its a difficult path, lets see what happens