Is It Ever Too Late To Become A Pro Cyclist? | Ask GCN Anything

[@rascal1234]

At 52, I definitely need a time machine.

[@michaelbuckley1087]

I´m 57. Let´s go for it! I only have to double my FTP ( I suppose)

[@donmichigan8201]

I'm 3 months away from 59. Let's make a team. Hahahaha

[@chrispig7748]

rascal1234 I know the feeling

[@disgruntledtoons]

It's easy to see if you can go pro at your age. Ride a route that the pros ride, and compare your time to their times. If you're matching their times--or you're very close and don't have the benefit of pro gear or pro training support--then you're ready to at least give it a shot.

[@glennoc8585]

Ideally yes but it's like learning to fly at 50 and you might be fit and competent and have 1000 hrs clocked but getting recruited to commercials is very very hard once you get older. If you graduate but dont use your degree within 3 to five years of graduation its as if you never did the degree. We live in a myopic and all about the money world do its about maximizing an investment in somebody and mitigating risk.

[@JBroms64]

Mike Woods was a world class runner before switching to cycling, which is a VERY important detail. He was already a well trained endurance athlete.

[@zeuszuki6698]

Does anyone still ride in the real world like myself ? Every answer seems to be zwift this, zwift that ....

[@harsdensus88]

I don't even have zwift account yet.

[@LegSpinna]

Never had Zwift, never will. The UK climate has changed so much in the last 25 years, riding indoors isn't necessary. The cold, icy winters have been replaced with mild, breezy, damp days for 95% of the winter.

[@senorzepeda]

zeus zuki I do...until I can afford swift.

[@teresamcbean]

Lmao calm down

[@teresamcbean]

Wait no you're right no one rides their bike outside anymore

[@ronbell7920]

Replying to Paul Turner; One thing I appreciate about Chris is has ability to accept his "good looks" and move on! His sprinting ability, overall positive attitude on air, make him a very watchable guy. I have really enjoyed the ride videos that Chris has done and he always seems open to a challenge. Check out him and Si, another very positive personality, on their climbing vs. flats, watt episode. That looked like real pain!

[@Life2]

Check yout mic. Left and Right is swapped.

[@jordyd8916]

please do, that rookie mistake is way worse than missing a marginal gain.

[@OMCbuilt]

To David Stevens question about being a few watts short of the desired watts in a Zwift training session. If you have the Zwift Companion app on your phone, and link it to your account, when you are in a workout you can adjust the output using the app to match the required watts. I calibrate my machine every other week at least, but I find that I usually have to run at 101-102% to match the workout watt for watt.

[@sudduthjonathan]

Think it has anything to do with the power display? Mine is set to display the 3 or 5 second average power. I calibrate before EVERY ride, but just assumed it had something to do with that. The trainer is constantly adjusting the resistance to keep the power the same in erg mode, so between variations in my pedaling and this 3 sec average, it’s probably something like this. Also, our bodies are not computers. I don’t think our bodies know any difference in 1-2 watts. We’re not that exact, your still getting the same workout, if that helps you not worry about it.

[@OMCbuilt]

@@sudduthjonathan I don't think it has to do with the power display, I have tried the 3 second average watts and instantaneous watts and have the same problem in workouts that use ERG mode, I'm always a few watts down on either setting and so I use the app to adjust it. A few watts doesn't matter in the real world, but if your workout segment is close to being between zones you can fail that segment if you are down a few watts and thus down into the lower zone. Also, I have read that calibration should be done at the end of rides, you need to get that thing nice and warm before doing a spin down for accuracy and consistency.

[@sudduthjonathan]

Ha! My name is also Aaron, and yes, I do use a gel or two during every indoor Zwift workout that’s over an hour or more. I need them...and although they are a bit pricey, I train with them because that’s what I use out on the road and during events.

[@MrBootgrab]

While I never was a "PRO" , having trained with many pros and I developed many of the same skills, if you get to know the right people you can SOME race pro races.

[@tpye8]

I not sure Mike Woods is a good example without qualifying that he was well on his way to being a pro athlete in track before injury. Sub 4min mile as a teenager he already had the metabolic tools of a pro endurance athlete.

[@johnbouttell5827]

To Ian Evans: Fred Whitton Challenge finishes with Hardknott and Wrynose passes, the steepest roads in England. You must do some serious hill training.

[@dpw6900]

Got a new drinking game. Every time James says “100 percent “ you drink. Not much drinking in this video but I love it btw.

[@difovctine]

Guys, don't forget Primož Roglič. At age 26 (2016) he signed for Lotto Lumbo, one year later he got silver medal in world championship in time-trial. And in 2018 he won stage 19 in Tour de France ... Oh, and he came into cycling from ski jumping, where he ended carier in 2012 ;) So he started cycling at age 23 :D

[@NW42degree]

Hi GCN, when is it too late to hydrate prior to a workout or long ride/race? Is it possible to catch up during excursion or am I "hosed"? #askgcntraining

[@madmonkeycycling9098]

I'm 32. Give me a year in a pro team with all the training and professional surrounding and let's find out :p

[@mikehascats26]

hope you are willing to do drugs

[@glennoc8585]

A female cyclisr in Australia went from running or swimming into cycling after not being in a bike since a teenager. She went pro within 2 years. She was over 30 think she had a child too.

[@disgruntledtoons]

#askgcntraining I'm aware that cyclists will carb load before a big ride, and eat and drink various kinds of sugar during rides and during ride recovery. However, these are no-nos for diabetic and pre-diabetic people. How should people with this condition adjust their cycling nutrition?

[@SteveT__001]

www.bicycling.com/training/a20049427/how-to-crush-your-ride-despite-diabetes/

[@finley888888]

Reccomend to research dr greger and how you can REVERSE diabetes with a few dietary changes. Good luck mate

[@senorzepeda]

While 24 might to too old to be a “pro”...you can still do something amazing on a bicycle. For example: Sean Conway started his career in 2011 at age 30. And just last year he broke a record riding across Europe.

[@TheSkinnybiker]

Woods was a very good runner before switching to cycling. I read about him on Velo News.

[@Larreessan]

Question to all cyclists! How come that so many of you refuse to wear a bell on your bicycle? It seems to me that cyclists on more sporty bikes are more reluctant to use the bell before passing me in the city streets compared to the avarage commuter on a more ordinary bike. Do you experienced the same thing and what do you think is the reason behind this?

[@onlymeok]

The bell will spook pedestrians who will then dart in a random direction. How is this good? A bell may be useful if ped's are blocking an entire path though. If I was in danger of a collision both hands would be on the brakes.

[@Larreessan]

@@onlymeok Thank you for your answer. Ah, yes that make some sense, I experienced this when bell-ing on pedestrians too.

[@AryanSingh-vz4uu]

Love your contents

[@AaronGoodTimes]

Thanks for the tips!

[@Dhungerf60]

Great show guys.

[@ernest2364]

#AskGCNTraining I'll be 63 in a couple of weeks and plan on starting the 12 week Zwift FTP training workout for my Birthday. If I stick with, it how much of an increase can an old guy like me see when completed?

[@kaupo80]

#torqueback Why do cyclocross rides use deep section wheels? The speeds in a CX race are quite far from any significant aero gains, but even at the times of cantilever brakes, deep section wheels have always been present in CX races.

[@jackj3917]

GCN: I'm 55 y/o and would greatly enjoy it if your show would employ a rider that is past the 50 mark. I love your channel and gain a lot from it, but as an older rider we have different needs than the younger set. Ride on!

[@ronbell7920]

They had that with Matt!

[@donmichigan8201]

I'll be 59 years old at the first race in Michigan in the gravel road race series. I'm not pro, or anything close,but I'm going to still be out there...is there a sweeper class?

[@AnthonyMerryman]

You should mention most people hit their peaks in professionally cycling in mid 30's

[@cyklatillbahamas]

Great episode! What happened to "ask the gcn presenters questions"? Was looking forward to that one. Cheers

[@cliffordromina3527]

Yes! Where is the Xmas special?..

[@thymenvuik8357]

0:30 we wish you a merry christmas, we wish you a merry zwiftmas

[@rexonc]

Funny how Chris caught the ghost of Jon Cannings for a second there. RRRRINGING THE BELL.

[@robbchastain3036]

Please call Sis, James, and book a flight--come on over and ride the Big Apple. And make some new friends. And Francis Cade is doing that right now, visiting NYC and showing everyone where to find big pizza slices for a dollar.

[@dbalz5212]

#AskGCNAnything I have been doing interval training and have had occasions where I could not finish time at the power output or the cadence that is established. Should I decrease the power setting so I can maintain the cadence, keep pedaling at the power and disregard the cadence or just stop and rest?

[@bradbeining3341]

When's it too late, if you're watching this video it's probably too late.

[@popcornpenguin8561]

So are there senior cycling races for older cyclists?

[@vickirobertson4349]

#askGCNtraining After a long career as a smoker, I started riding 5 years ago at age 52 (you do the math) and switched my addiction to cycling. Last winter, I did some serious Zwifting with the GCN workout series losing 25 pounds and gaining a lot fitness. As a result, I had a great cycling season this year, topped off by completing my first 200 km brevet with our local Randonneurs club in September. Goals for this year include longer distances (300+ kilometres)and that will require I increase my speed from the 25'sh km/hr on the 200 over many hours in the saddle. This winter, I want to do a full Zwift program, but not sure which one -- there are just too many to choose from. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!

[@JohnDoe-bn6bw]

I’m 13 and today I cycled 14 km it’s my first time cycling since I learned to ride a bike I was a bit wobbly but I got the hang of it after quite a while and I wanna train and go pro

[@carlosgomezzzzzzz]

If you are too old you can always become a cycling youtuber wich has some business potential, or become an event organizer so you can make a living out of cycling

[@limbolegs]

Ya past around 6:30pm is a bit late if you ask

[@thephatcyclist1766]

#talkback do more alleycats. I ride for a few cycling companies here in the state. Never too late for pro or work with cycling companies, I'm 34 years young.

[@remitournier2526]

Hi GCN, Chris, I wanted to know if as a sprinter you used to train your upper body and more specifically your arms (shoulder biceps...)? And if so, which exercises do you do? Thanks, love the show! #torqueback #GCNtraining

[@kimzharkou6677]

Hi GCN! I have a triathlon next month with flat 20 km bike leg, so my question is should I include longer 2-4 hour hilly rides in my training or is it better just to stick to those specific 20 km short rides? #torqueback

[@florianfuhrmann7623]

#AskGCNTraining How much can I improve my fitness indoors (ftp) in 1 year if I haven't trained structured yet and my ftp is around 210 watts with 60 kg? I have roughly 4 hours a week... Thanks in advance!

[@lukehigginbottom6701]

Florian Fuhrmann I’m in a similar position to yourself, my ftp is roughly the same and I’m wanting to boost it. I’ve started to do longer intervals, around 5 to 10 mins, and riding at around 120% of ftp. I give myself 2 mins rest between the 5 min intervals and 4 mins for the 10 min intervals. I’ve found this is definitely boosting the power I can output on the bike and you can either put these intervals at the end of a longer ride or make a specific session out of them.

[@lebowskii98_9]

With only 4 hours a week I'm surprised that you are already at 3.5 watts/kg! I can't see you gaining much more fitness without increasing the amount of time per week on the bike.

[@BorisKhvostichenko]

#torqueback when is it time to replace my cycling shoes?

[@johngoddard447]

#askgcnanything have any of you guys tried nasal strip dilators? Are they effective?

[@roblynam3573]

#torqueback Been riding just shy of a year now, and am looking to do my first proper upgrade in order to take on some harder climbs. My bike currently runs a 52/39 and an 8 speed 12-26T. Would you recommend changing cassette or chainrings, or maybe both? I rarely use the biggest gears unless on decents as I'm not that big! I'm nearly 20 and 52kg if this helps. Thanks!

[@amorinfinito6500]

hey gcn,im 15,and my question is:How can i know if i overtrained?I usually have 1-2 rest days per week and sometimes my legs hurts a lot after principally sprint and intervaleted sessions.It is normal to feel this pain,or this is a sign of overtraining?great video!

[@AlexRochette]

#AskGCNTraining #TorqueBack My FTP is 242 W on Zwift and 273 W outside (and always has been about 30 W lower indoor vs. outdoors). Is that normal? Any tips or Zwift workouts to bring my indoor FTP up? Thank you! Happy holidays!

[@cliffordromina3527]

It may be bacause its easier to stay cool while riding outside due to the wind, while its harder to stay cool indoors with just fans and blowers. So some of your power might be used solely on cooling you body. Like they said, it's requires more power to keep you body cool on hot weather than keep your body warm on cold weather.

[@lebowskii98_9]

I read comments like this all the time but wonder how people are calculating this. Who does an ftp test inside and then a few days later, one outside? I dread one every 6-8 weeks, don't think I could do two!!😯

[@cliffordromina3527]

@@lebowskii98_9 you do have a point. Maybe he got tired on doing the first test then did the second right away, or he gained fitness as he rest befor doing the second test.

[@Dexxyh]

lebowskii98 if you keep your normal training schedule, losing 30 watts in a month is way too much. Also, when you base your training on that ftp level and set your zones on the trainer, its already extremely noticable when doing your efforts (I'm my case). I use my power meter both inside and outside and go from around 4.5wkg to 3.9. I did notice that direct mount trainers make a huge difference, so I'm guessing the inertia of the flywheel plays a role, not just heat.

[@christianfricke1986]

In Time Crunched Cyclist I read that there is a normal difference between indoor cycling and road riding when it comes to power output, but Carmichael says that there is an even bigger differential between lab-test and road, because actual roadtests always deliver higher power output. Maybe it's because the effort actually takes you somewhere or you are more motivated ...

[@charliepackwood3896]

What are your thoughts on training 12 hours a day on the bike to turn pro in two years time #torqueback

[@PeterSaumur]

Charlie Packwood Sounds like a great way to absolutely trash your body, get a career ending injury, and burnout.

[@Dennis4523]

#AskGCNTraining I’m 14 with a 121 watt ftp. Where do I stack up to others? (Cycled for 7 months so far , came from obesity )

[@TunaTheMiner]

You sort of suck at the moment. You may be strong for short efforts, or strong on climbs if you're very light, but don't let that discourage you. You literally have 3 decades before it's too late to be pro-level fit. Just be consistent, no matter how little you can train. 10 minutes on zwift is better than no minutes. Just play around with power and challenge yourself to hold a certain number. The best tip I can give you is to enjoy riding, and the fitness will come.

[@Dennis4523]

Kent I weigh 156 lbs , I’m a heavy TT specialist that spends hours on Zwift cause it’s snowy outside . I can contain the same efforts for 2 hours .I sure can canon ball jump into the hurt locker(cyclist is cool , keep me occupied )

[@lebowskii98_9]

Do you have a power meter or are you basing this on virtual Zwift power? If the latter, then your ftp could be a lot higher. If you do have PM, what test are you using to calculate ftp?

[@Dennis4523]

lebowskii98 _ Zwift virtual power , I can’t afford a power meter

[@SteveT__001]

How can you be a TT specialist if you have only been cycling 7 months? Seriously you have a long way to go and need to learn your real on the road strengths and weaknesses first.

[@lewisatkinson7277]

JT don't worry. Your hair is beautiful 👌

[@sadiekhan9237]

Is 22 too late to start racing bikes?

[@electrichawk1]

#askgcnanything #AskGCNTraining hi GCN, This is not a but question, but a butt question: when riding on my bike my butt starts to hurt, this is starting after like 25 km, sometimes sooner, sometimes a little bit later... I have tried cheap cycling shorts from chinese sites to bioracer shorts up to asos mid-price range shorts... Now I began using chamois creme and it is somehow a little better, but I tend to sweat a hole lot, so with chamois creme an riding on zwift I can now ride like 40 to 50 km (1,5 hour) before my butt starts to hurt. Do I need to buy even more expensive shorts or am I applying to much chamois or to little ( i apply it on my butt and on the padding of the short), or is it a saddle problem...?

[@Alex-vq9vj]

That sounds like an ill-fitting saddle to me. A decently padded cycling tight (no matter the brand) would do a lot to lessen the impact and extend riding time without discomfort, so it seems your problem is indeed the saddle

[@surlyogre1476]

Ahn-DRA-day... just sayin'. BTW I'm 64, am I too old to turn pro?

[@donmichigan8201]

I'm almost 59, we're getting a team together. Read above comments. Hahahaha

[@blitzgrz5972]

What is FTP?

[@kieranbrost4567]

Ibrahim Grz It stands for your Functional Threshehold power, so the steady power you can hold for a certain amount of time

[@blitzgrz5972]

@@kieranbrost4567 thanks i m new cycliste only 4 months ago

[@kieranbrost4567]

Me too. I learned the term recently from GCN

[@lisapet160]

File Transfer Protocol (Me with revolutionic)

[@revolutronic]

@@lisapet160 hey - i wanted to make that stupid joke

[@thegamingwolf9036]

#askgcntraining being a cyclist since I was 9 I'm 15 now and racing for 4 years and taking a break for 2 year I plan to start racing again in the summer what sort of training should I do to get back in racing shape

[@shapetick4096]

#askcgntraining can I wear normal clothes (Pants and t-shirt) while commuting to work on a road bike? Thank you in advance! Keep up the content

[@lordbertos8124]

I would say yes I used to all the time. But I noticed when I got a new job and the commute became a 10 mile county road ride with steep hills I got a very uncomfortable in the downstairs region and a numb arse. Plus jeans gave you really Bad chafing. My advice give it a go and if your comfortable then you should be ok but you can find cheap and comfy kits online and I would never be without my kit it’s just like a 2nd skin that keeps you covered and comfy. Hope that helps.

[@christianfricke1986]

I wouldn't do that. First off, depending on what you are working, you will need to change clothes after the commute anyways. And if the weather isn't perfect, lycra is simply better - even wet it won't flap around and it will keep you warmer than a wet T-shirt (even if it's warm, headwind can give you a proper cold, when you're wet). And then there is the chafing in the sweaty areas, namely bum and groin, but also under the arms.

[@vrushalideshpande3624]

I want to loose some weight so should I cut down calories during the rides or have a separate weight loss diet and continue with the same calories in the bike??? #torqueback

[@Alex-vq9vj]

In the same boat here. Don't try to diet on a ride! Unless you're massively overeating while cycling (which you'd definitely know and feel!) you need sustenance on long rides. You'll lose weight by riding if you do it regularly, both for the exercise and by getting fitter and thus burning more calories. Change your diet outside of sport to something healthy, portion appropriate and - most importantly - sustainable so you can follow this eating style for a long time! Cut fast foods and very processed food like convenience meals to a minimum, eat less sweets or snacks. Lower or cut soda and juice or other sweetened drinks intake: many people have no idea how many calories or how much sugar they actually drink, rather than eat! BTW: I've lost 2 sizes in 5 months and have gotten significantly fitter, on and off the bike.

[@markwatson8783]

Great show as always. I have a power question. When I am cycling in Zwift and I am on the hoods, my power output is higher than than when I go to the drops. This can be as much as 18 watts difference. Could this be a bike fit thing? If so any pointers? #askgcntraining

[@averydaboy]

#askGCNTraining, trying to improve my ftp by around Early March what are some tips to help, ive been doing base and getting in the volume, tips for intensity.

[@fayzee7869]

#askgcnanything hi guys. I clean my drivetrain once a week (after around 250km of use, when it's looking quite unattractive with grime and what not). Am I over cleaning it or am I not cleaning it enough?

[@anthonylum3297]

#AskGCNTraining I’m 16 this year and just started Cycling consistently recently. Did a 50km of average speed 31kph. How do I improve on my stamina?

[@tash5769]

#askgcnanything I have just bought my first set of clipless pedals, is it normal to prefer my cleats on different positions for each foot?

[@tubbytoast2]

Gösta Pettersson turned pro at the age of 30 and there was someone in the 1990 who was 32 just can't recall his name

[@cliffordromina3527]

#torqueback How do i deal with the mean mechanic at the local bike shop?..

[@alanfunt4013]

The BEST recovery happens in pubs.

[@figa9963]

#askgcntraining hi I wanted to ask you. I've got my first race in april and then many others (most of them are going to be crits) So I wondered if I should be focusing on FTP or sprint power or many random efforts and if it si ok to train mostly on smart trainer. And what would be the best session on zwift? Thanks guys.

[@figa9963]

@Wheel Tube thanks a lot!

[@pietrochiappa2875]

#askgcntraining hi GCN in March i will do my first ever race in the under 18 category. I’m realatively new to these type of races what workout should i do in order to sustain a 115 km race with many small Climbs? Thank you.

[@milanivackic8552]

Is it late at 17?

[@markp.7345]

#askgcnanything hi guys, should I rather spend money on carbon wheels or one week of guided cycling tour? I can't afford both so I'm wondering what you guys think about it.

[@recuperacion420]

Look at Tinker. 57 still winning.

[@glennoc8585]

Is tgat tinker Juarez?

[@petercardy3972]

#torqueback hi gcn love the channel. Is there a speed on the flat where aerodynamics are more key than weight? Thanks

[@senpaitan-tan]

I’m a 34 y/o now and I started cycling 1 year ago and I’m 80kg ang 165cm tall there is a chance for me to become stronger? Thanks for the reply

[@dan_lazaro]

With the right training, of course! I race crits and am currently 16 y/o @ 43kg, 160cm. Since I have school, I do short interval sessions I learned from GCN themselves.

[@senpaitan-tan]

Dan Lazaro thank you very much

[@Sills71]

If you are over 25 and not signed as a pro or had some off the charts results in your first year (that means winning many races in top category) you wont be a pro. Even if you make to pro, do you really want to just be pack filler?

[@shapetick4096]

im not I turned 11 only a few days ago

[@racsofan4157]

#torqueback Did anyone laugh at you after you shave your legs? For example, your schoolmates or your family.

[@Xotic_23]

Yu_Lock宇樂 lol who didn’t, even my dad who also rides on a roadbike, but didn’t shave his legs for it, laughed. I kinda laughed at myself as it is such a weird thing, but i like shaved legs way more than non shaved legs.

[@bkmontgomery]

#askgcntraining I work all day. Should I do morning or evening workouts? (ps: I'm asking a simple question for the quick fire round 😉)

[@nojuspetkevicius5064]

#AskGCNTraining how fung can you start at cycling thanks

[@guitsynthcw]

I sure hope you’re getting big $$$$ from Zwift for all the times you mention them.

[@okay.9929]

I started at 9 im 13 at the moment right now😂

[@Matthew25405]

Captions are completely wrong 😂

[@cliffordromina3527]

Where is the Xmas special?..

[@nojuspetkevicius5064]

#AskGCNTraining waht is do best biginer bike

[@robertm1552]

Gong.

[@subhasismandal3849]

I started cycling at 27. I got a job and definitely can't spare time on weekdays. I ride on weekends though, roughly 100km each ride. Can't be a pro anymore. Time machine might help :P

[@wio_flying5534]

#torqueback Hi GCN I just got in my hands wonderful book about woman cycling legendes (''Queens of Pain'') Could you maybe make a video about riders like Alfonsina Strada, Tillie Anderson and rest of this incredibly inspiring strong woman, who were competing against men on equal terms in men's races. Please

[@mangonetaa3041]

#askgcntraining,I'm still 14 years old,can i be a pro cyclist in my age,,and how to be a pro cyclist

[@peichunlin1122]

Haha 😂 well usually it’s the older people who can afford good bike

[@mattkemp2749]

Zwift. Yawn. If you use it and it works for you, great. However, I'm not interested.

[@LittleMissDesmo]

#gcn Merry Zwifmas!

[@paulturner7137]

IMHO Chris looks more like John F. Kennedy Jr. than John Revolta! Give the dude a break already.

[@jeffrebates6717]

#ASKGCNTRAINING can I be a pro cyclist if i only ride once a week

[@mikehascats26]

depends how good your banned drugs are

[@drewwilson5943]

Second

[@hipou2237]

Hhhhh good

[@lharrypaine6457]

First