How I became a Professional Cyclist

[@maddie1818]

I am only fifteen and this is my sixth day cycling, I only cycled when I was five. Since then I was invested in other sports: Figure skating, competitive swimming, hip hop, (show jumping which I do occasionally) and lastly ballet. I only danced ballet for nine months however, I achieved so much in such a short timeframe. From nothing to dancing in my country’s most prestigious ballet academy, en pointe. I was the most flexible girl in my studio, I gave it my all. Every single day I danced for no more than seven hours, stretched whenever I had the chance. I never took a day off, the only times when I did rest is when I got sick or injured. I always attended class, took notes, gave corrections, asked questions, compared myself to my competition, looked up to my idols. In the end I injured my left leg then, I was left with anorexia, hair loss, brittle nails, pale skin, no energy, no menstrual cycle, and no more passion for dance. I am somewhat recovered, I gained an extensive amount of weight (which I am not exactly thrilled about, nonetheless I know that my body is recovering I am still waiting for my cycle to return). I have wanted to try cycling again, years before everything has took place. My mother and I chose a Trek Émonda ALR 5 for me. I have since been riding it every single day for about two hours. I wish I could ride it for longer but, it’s quite a challenge as- where I live it is extremely hot and humid, there are tons of people outside and the parking lot at where I practice is crowded. I only get to go out in six in the morning and then return at eight. For the past five days I have been noticeably improving, with each day I learn a new skill. Today (the fifth day so far) I am already riding out of my saddle (gently rocking my bike side to side), touching where my water bottle should be (with both hands), changing my gears (I have learnt how to use them and when to utilize which and what “tooth”), I freely move my hands around the bars, even going as low as touching the down turned handles, I have learnt how to make a quick halt (the one when you break with your front wheel get out of the saddle and push your weight back), I can ride without holding the cockpit/handlebars for a few seconds (I have already done things such as, itch my eye or adjust my clothing), I am much more comfortable with looking up wards and side to side, riding on a straight narrow road, go around/pass people, turning both in high and low speeds. I still have yet tried to descend and climb (I have a tiny hill which I can try both tomorrow morning). I am absolutely obsessed with cycling, I cannot wait to clean my bike! Purchase a lube etc. I am also looking forward to purchasing some clip in road/mtb shoes (I am not sure which one to go with), some gloves for safety, a helmet (yes I am currently practicing without a helmet as we do not currently have the opportunity to purchase one), some glasses, and a water bottle! I also have to adjust the bike accordingly, as it is currently not the right match for me. The bike frame is alright a 48, but the saddle is a little too high for comfort and a bit far behind for my liking. Also the wires should be loosened up a little as it’s tough for me to break, also change gears. My question was if I could one day become a pro? I know this sounds ridiculous, still I see little kids much younger than me racing, balancing. I am simply not sure if it’s possible for me to achieve these goals of mine. I have listed the past activities (and still do to this day) above for a more personal record. I know how to push myself, in fact I love it. But cycling? I feel like I am progressing very slowly even though a week hasn’t even passed. I am looking for closure? Advice definitely, and people who have been or are in the sport for a while. Your point of view? I am all ears, if anyone has any questions then I will be more than happy to answer! Thank you (female, 15).

[@lando5791]

How is it going rn?

[@nicksidell4797]

Honesty that’s what I love about you Ed. You are always willing to help others with the knowledge that you Learnt along your way to where you are now. I must say I really enjoyed this vid & didn’t want it to finish just keep doing what you doing and enjoy Life. 👍

[@edlaverack]

😊

[@AJCCycling]

This was really motivating! That conclusion at the end there too, you're doing something beautiful, Ed. Kinda wish I had gotten into cycling a little earlier now 😬

[@davefitz2303]

YEs we want to see that calendar.

[@nigelstanley3674]

Honest open and a well told timeline. Thanks Ed

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Nicely done Ed - a single take 💪 and good to hear your journey in chronological order 👌

[@agnesrosalinde]

Very interesting, Ed, your story. I think a lot of how you got that far apart from your talent comes from your sincere attitude, perseverance, discipline and sportmanship. Next to it when I listen to your story I think to myself what was I doing at that age, I was still a child messing about at uni etc. You already have a whole career behind you. That is why you sound so wise and mature to me. I think you are right, there are more ways to be a professional cyclist and the path you chose brings more freedom, entrepreneurship and creativity into it. I looking forward to witness your career from afar. 👍👍

[@stuartmclean3843]

Loved watching this video Ed, think ive written it before on a another video but ive been off the bike for 20 years and im now back riding again and plan to race as a senior/vet next season, i raced as a teenager and it was my dream after watching my 1st tdf on tv in 1990 to ride the tdf, i was fancinated by who this rider was riding around in the rainbow jersey (greg lemond), he was my 1st hero in Cycling, i wanted to wear the rainbow would champion jersey and i wanted to wear the poka dot kom jersey which Thierry Claveyrolat won that year, somehow life got in the way and i eventually fell away from rding my bike, i never stopped being a fan and watched every tfd and every paris roubaix etc on tv for the last 20 years, ive been riding again for 1 year, my fitness is coming back and riding up Hirnant Pass in September i actually felt like a cyclist again, love your channel mate, was brilliant to watch u at the Nationals this year, i need to rejoin my old cycling club and i plan to ride some hill climbs next season, i plan to ride "the Struggle", gives me a extra year 2b ready, i will find my firness again one way or the other, hopefully cu there next year mate

[@bee_whisper]

this channel is great because its both chilled , educational and above all you dont push the no pain no gain mantra that is rife in cycling.

[@edlaverack]

Thank you Robert. Thank you for saying it as it is!

[@lorddilego6805]

I still remember the original video somewhat and this was a very nice update indeed! Actually, I think there's enough there to even make kind of a follow up video about the current state of pro cycling - traditional road racing vs mixing cycling disciplines vs alternative calendars and events etc - for younger cyclists of today and tomorrow. I'd imagine you have quite a few thoughts and experiences to share concerning the different possibilities and the decisions that you yourself have made the past few years. :)

[@joshpower1073]

Mine was the gcn homemade bars 🤣 at the age of about 10. Then a few years along the line got a bike. Never looked back

[@KOMHuntTV]

Those GCN bars are 👌👌👌👌👌

[@lukeholloway7836]

on my first cat 5 race that I got dropped in really bad in my coach told me Rome wasn't built in a day still kina bad at racing in higher category's but love it

[@timbliss8777]

Great video and great add on to your previous one. Thanks for always sharing your journey.

[@RideWithGerben]

Loved that ''Experiencing Loss" part of your story.

[@danielmaclachlan5123]

Awesome vid , thanks for sharing ,

[@stevendean2599]

Great video always enjoy watching your videos Ed. Why some one would put a thumbs down baffles me. I suppose you always get that one person. Keep up the good work 🚴‍♂️

[@edlaverack]

Thank you Steven!

[@n22pdf]

Great information Ed many thanks 👍👍 your a true inspiration

[@edlaverack]

Thank you Peter

[@LeadoutPerformance]

A good honest guy with great content 💪🏾 hope to ride with you this year (same event not staying at your pace I mean) 😂

[@edlaverack]

I can ride at any pace🙏🏼

[@tobiasnagel2295]

wished I got earlier into that great sport while watching this - maybe one of my daughters will do. we will see. thanks a lot for your "real" and "honest" videos.

[@lindabillett4535]

Ed this is a brilliant video - you’re a fabulous orator & there are so many gems in here that I shall watch it again & then probably again (& I’m neither a wannabe racer or a parent of one, just a fan). Thank you so much for this one - you are a star🌟😘

[@abedfo88]

I always thought Rapha/JLT Condor teams were the coolest team on the UK scene. I used to want the kit with the Sharp sponsor so bad.

[@edlaverack]

With the pink! The bikes were amazing

[@louis_sharp]

Totally agree, my surname is sharp so that works too!

[@lukeholloway7836]

I'm an American and seems like everyone played soccer or football before cycling

[@sheldonwhite3506]

Great video Ed, I'm personally looking forward to what direction you go in your cycling career and what else you achieve 🙏👍

[@edlaverack]

Thank you Sheldon!

[@AKH3156]

Great video!

[@gregorgorski9436]

Wow very impresiv and motivation video. That's what we love about you Ed♥️. Keep doing what you do. The power stay with you. Dont forget to show us Your trainer calendar...😁

[@pneale164pn3]

A very good interesting Vid indeed. My boy plays football at a very high level. He’s 10 years old. I will get him to watch this. This is great advice for anyone not just cyclists 👍

[@edlaverack]

🙏🏼

[@davestewartDWCC]

Great video Ed....would you say you are fitter now or when you were in your team?

[@edlaverack]

I’m fitter now but I wouldn’t say it’s down to a team environment. The races help but to be honest I can get a lot of racing fitness from Zwift

[@KOMHuntTV]

That whiteboard hasn't aged as well as you!

[@Wrench7077]

Ed : well it’s about time Me in my head : ITS ABOUT TIME , ITS ABOUT POWER, WE STAY HUNGRY, WE DEVOUR 😂

[@josueramos5620]

Can I still become a pro at 19 years old?

[@edlaverack]

There is always a chance. In 2024 it’s important to recognise that there is more than one way to turn pro and what that means to you. It could mean racing the Tour de France, it could mean being a pro gravel racer, lots of avenues🙏🏼

[@meatmotorendurance]

A pro, by definition, is someone who does a vocation/activity as their primary means of earning a living. I need to learn to live on $5 dollars a day; then I can call myself a pro. There are many times one of my family members says, "Hey, I'll give you $5 if you leave me alone and go ride your bike for a while."

[@edlaverack]

Yep, been there and done that, now I’m in a fortunate position with what I’m able to do on my bike for my work

[@MattEllis01]

First boom

[@DavidRaynham85]

Your coffee’s cold now...

[@AJCCycling]

Cold brew innit

[@tomcycles9725]

haha I wanted to play for man united aswell lol

[@Shintarowaragai]

Complaining abour rice and chicken is crazy hahahaha, that’s carbs and protein there better than anything you could get.

[@ilcorvo980]

Im 23 and i think i can win the tour of France, what are the steps to get in? How do i get to race in the tour of France?☺️👋