By Bhawna
Every professional cyclist wants to become the best in his field. They do have a thought of living up to their dream to the best. Every amateur cyclist wants to reach the top. If you want to enter the world of professional cycling, you can really surprise all the people around you with how far you can go. The most difficult part of achieving a goal is to get started with it. And every other step after it can be even more difficult.
So, here are some easy tips for you if you want to be the best professional cyclist:
Cycling Gear
Image source: road.cc.com
The first step towards learning a new skill or hobby is making sure you have the right equipment. The most important equipment will be your bike or cycle. To find the right equipment, that is, your cycle, you need to know whether you would be participating in mountain, road, city, or track cycling or others.
So, here you need to decide the best frame size for you that will suit your height. There are different methods for it. One of the best ways to find out the best frame size for you is by standing straight without any shoes and measuring your inseam in centimeters. This means the length from your crotch to heel. Next, there are certain numbers by which you need to multiply your inseam length. This will equal your bike frame size. You may change your bike for different reasons in your cycling career.
You would need other cycling gear like a helmet, gloves, shoes, and other accessories. Cycling clothes should have certain qualities. They should be comfortable, and keep you warm and dry. They should support your body in long cycling rides.
Then, the other cycling gear that you would need and that is very important are your shoes. Cycling shoes should lock into place on the pedals. This is important so that cyclists do not slip off. This ensures proper positioning.
Other things that are important are clothing. These should be made according to different climates and temperatures. This is important to ensure comfort in all weather conditions. You can also wear ear warmers, gloves, socks, caps, and other accessories. These will keep you warm or cool as need be. You should also ensure that the seat of your cycle is comfortable.
Cycling Nutrition
Image source: evoq.bike.com
A good diet is something that you cannot skip at all. The kind of nutrition that you provide your body will determine your cycling performance and endurance. You would have a coach also in your career who will tell you about a diet plan. You should not have alcohol, soda, or sugary drinks. You should drink plenty of water and sports drinks. These will energize you. Eating fruits and vegetables is always good. You should not eat burgers and doughnuts. You should take proper sleep also. Eating carbs and proteins is essential. Try eating more carbs than proteins. You can eat bread, oatmeal, or rice item. You should eat 2-3 hours before the race so that the food gets digested.
Training
Image source: bicycling.com
Training is an important part of cyclists. So, it is always best to find a coach who can guide you throughout to achieve your goals. A coach will help you know what is important for your physical health and also mental health. He would be like your mentor. He will push you.
There are many different training programs online that you can apply for. Choosing these programs also means commitment. You should be disciplined enough also. Be consistent.
Local competitions
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First, you need to participate in local competitions. As you improve and get better, you would participate in bigger races. Then, you need to identify the kind of race, time, and distance. Then, you need to contact your local cycling support.
After that, you need to purchase a cycling license. Then, you need all the cycling gear. And finally, you would be ready to compete on race day.
Upgrading categories
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These are categories by which you can upgrade to the next level by competing in many races. Each category is different because of its requirements. You can complete the requirements and then upgrade by logging into your account on USAC.
You would need to fill in the information regarding your experience and your positions in them. After you have submitted your upgrade request and it gets accepted, you can freely follow the next category.
Know your opponents- means what you are standing against
Image source: bicycling.com
Any hobby or passion starts with a craving. Everyone says that you should make your passion your work, but still it’s not that simple. Once you make your hobby your job, in the end, it becomes a job only, and you are doing a job and not pursuing a hobby.
So, there is a difference between doing what you love and doing what you are required to do. And when you are doing it because you have to, you lose interest and zest.
Many professional cyclists feel that they do not love cycling anymore because it has become a job for them. It is not a passion anymore. This is especially more if they take longer to make their way to higher positions.
Paying attention to physical and mental health is especially important. You should not feel burnt out. Your passion should be alive.
As you get into higher levels, more demands would be placed on your body physically and mentally. You have to understand what you are going to face. Don’t lose your drive. Don’t lessen your desire to achieve your goals. Make sure you know what you are doing and take care of yourself.
Conclusion
Image source: bicycling.com
It takes a lot to become the best professional cyclist. There is a lot of toll on physical and mental health. You would need to compete in many races to upgrade yourself. You have to be prepared. You have to have proper nutrition. You should have proper cycling gear. Cycling should be your passion.
