The Best (And Worst) Things About Being A Pro Cyclist

"Pro cyclist" is a dream job for many of us watching this video. So, if you're dreaming of it, chasing that dream or if you just love cycling, here's the pro verdict on the best (and the worst) things about being a pro cyclist.
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"I'm 36 and I don't think I've ever done a day's work in my life..."
Former Tour de France ride Dan Lloyd interviews the stars of the Dubai Tour to find out what the best, and the worst, things about being a pro cyclist are.
Life on the road, cycling in locations like Dubai, racing your bike legendary races like Paris Roubaix and the Tour de France, and the fact that it's your job to ride your bike pretty much every day make cycling a dream job for many - including us here at GCN.
But, what if this is what you actually do? Surely it can't all be sun, 5 star hotels, adoring crowds of fans and historic races?
Here's the take from the best of the Dubai Tour peloton.
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Einar Erlander - Crystalline
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Leave us a comment below!

[@gcn]

"I'm 36 and I've never worked in my life..." What do you think would be the best thing about being a pro cyclist?

[@djguydan]

Being asked the best and worst thing about being a pro cyclist. :P

[@ZeroSeriesMMX]

Earning your own great bike (from sponsors), I guess. And the suffering that builds character is especially manifest here (obviously, suffering from crashes, injuries and destroyed ego doesn't count xD).

[@NielsHeldens]

Global Cycling Network Best: Getting interviewed by the Global Cycling Network. Worst: It's Dan.

[@mediumrick7667]

Most people have never worked a day in their life as hard as his typical day in a race.

[@EddAcz]

I would love having that "magically always shiny" new bling and support of like minded people around me. Traveling also doesn't hurt, but i feel like in time it would be same old same old. Just ask what place they do know the best and i bet it would be hometown airport :D

[@matthewkluge5441]

the worst part about being a pro cyclist is having Matt steal all the hats off the team bus .

[@raoulkoopman9408]

I'd imagine a lack of job security is a pretty big negative.

[@glennoc8585]

Raoul Koopman which is much the same in the real world hey.

[@skvltdmedia]

Not necessarily. If you stop riding, you can coach and use your name and affiliations to market yourself and keep on keeping on in the sidelines.

[@JR-wj9bh]

They can always be a coach/trainer

[@achtervolger6649]

Dan with a mohawk at 5:27! (in the reflection of the sunglasses)

[@cliveramsbotty6077]

'Having to talk to Dan Lloyd'

[@acem82]

So what was the worst thing?

[@glennoc8585]

clive ramsbotty Meeting any of the GCN crew would be a positive especially if lucy

[@benedward8559]

I didn't know that Andy Fenn was Kermit the Frog in disguise...

[@CamsJungleAquaria]

but that's none of my business...

[@PROcrastiDRIVESVofficial]

Hahahaha!

[@mathewwoolhouse7895]

OMG - I went back and that first "Errrm" made me laugh! Hideho, Kermit the Frog here.

[@gunkshunter2519]

Great segment! Thanks Dan!

[@oliverlane97]

I am 15, started cycling when I was 11, and have been chasing that dream ever since.

[@adammessier4431]

I'm 17, started chasing at 15! Let's go we can do it!

[@tomaszsosnowski9279]

Blood transfusions are quite horrible, according to Mr Hamilton.

[@johnmac9995]

Watching this with subtitles is amazing, they're all over the place.

[@dpaduae1dell564]

well Friday's race will be interesting given the rain here now!!!

[@netei]

more interviews like this video. really cool!!!

[@cyclejockey4397]

Great video as always GCN !

[@peace_kittithat1977]

great vid!

[@TheMadHatter1330]

Regarding the comment about saddles not being arm chairs, give the Specialised Power saddle a shot, combined with a quality arse pad it is extremely comfortable ! I highly recommend it !

[@devonvo_snc]

love the "water"sponsor classes

[@laurco]

Kind of surprised no one said the worst thing was the training and being monitored and regulated constantly! I had a great ride with a pro team cyclist when I was just starting out a few years ago. Even though I was dragging along and asking dumb questions, he said it was one of his best rides in months since he could just enjoy the scenery and relax/talk without worrying about getting chewed out for missing power/heart rate targets etc.

[@glennoc8585]

laurco Bosses are all about targets nowadays in every job.

[@TimGuntDE]

Sammy looks great, very lean. Would love to see him sneek another nice win like last year in the Basque Country. He always wins in style.

[@Crustinho99]

when are you going to present one of the police Bikes? Looks damn cool with the bluelights on

[@CincyNeid]

5:26 looks like he's sporting a punker mohawk in the reflection of the sunglasses.

[@dandandan961]

Being on the road away from your family and big crashes suck. GCN, always pushing the boundaries in interviews ;)

[@TomEnduro]

Surely the best thing is all the free gear and getting your hands on the latest top bikes!!

[@Panthers001]

surely the best thing is the bikes, equipment and kit they get to use!

[@Eliseo4786]

You guys should do a video on when pro cyclists are planning to retire and what they will be doing after their cycling career

[@adamcoatham]

At 00:14, a heavy dose of hair envy/haircrush felt by Lloydy when gazing lovingly at Jon Dibben!

[@ciaranrowett4187]

Dan evidently found the beer tent wearing those Foster's sunglasses

[@crisjim3789]

Great, great, great !! awesome guys :D

[@MeenakshiDutta-cu5vi]

I like Jempy's words about the thing...

[@manuelaclarin3451]

"The worst thing?" "The saddle" This is just gold ahahah

[@mathewwoolhouse7895]

Love the bottle opener on the arm of the Fosters Sunnies.. Worst Beer ever lol.

[@kneawah]

Sounds like the announcers in the background are rapping freestyle along with the beats. I think GCN just found the next "bad lip reading".

[@ebigarella]

Hey, nice to know I share something with pro cyclists! I do get some of the worst things too...

[@jcwhitby]

Jon Dibben's glasses are so sweet

[@frazergoodwin4945]

No one said as the worst "being punched in the face by fellow pro on the bike"!

[@beeble2003]

Nobody knew that was a thing, until today!

[@eddiepliers1]

Have you seen the pro's throw punches? I think it would hurt like being in a pillow fight rather than being beaten by a toothpick arm'd cyclist

[@kangzosa]

Eddie Smith right? its pretty embarrassing to watch two climbers fight each other. its like watching a school girl fight. Maybe some of the sprinters could throw a punch

[@mynaamiskaas]

Eddie, laughed at your comment mate, but Grivko is quite a staunch fellow. He sure did a number on Kittel

[@kangzosa]

Jan-Harm van der Merwe attacking on the bike at 40kph is cowardly. if kittel were to try and punch and fight back they could both crash and cause half the peleton to come down. off the bike I'm sure kittel would take care of him

[@lisapet160]

The good thing about being an amateur cycling fan is that you don't need GCN to watch and follow currently in progress Jayco Herald Sun Tour 2017 and Tour of Valencia.

[@scootosan]

Alex Dowsett, I use Selle Italia Max Flite Gel works for me.

[@EErnst006]

Are those Foster's sunglasses available from the GCN shop?

[@lwrighton8299]

Getting to ride bikes all the time😁

[@alexichom]

Lloydy really does love beer with those Foster's sunglasses on

[@bigbrownbear1231]

If you can call that 'beer'

[@chrisharris5720]

thought he was going for a new sponsorship deal!

[@alexichom]

you might say he is fostering a new sponsorship deal

[@P4P5]

5:25 Sunglasses reflection. Daniels new future hair style maybe?

[@folkerst]

Love the special sunglasses "fosters", they came with a sixpack?

[@markbailey70]

Please, Please learn to use your camera properly. I could be wrong but I believe you use a Sony FS5 which has a built in ND filter so when you are in very bright situations you can manage the light better. If you use something different use the highest ND filter you have or adjust the exposure properly say F11 or higher or put the thing into automatic.

[@santiagobenites]

Two things Dan: Firstly, the hair is looking good. Looks like you've got that perfect match of hair to beard length ratio. Secondly, where can I get myself a pair of those magnificent Foster's shades? You're becoming quite the trendsetter.

[@gcn]

+santiagobenites I 'won' them on a scratch card in a pub in Dubai two years ago. Dan.

[@santiagobenites]

guyd4076 It's a fine line between magnificent and tacky.

[@infidelgastro]

Maybe Fosters only give those out to their biggest fans and supporters of which Dan is probably one. Nah, they're just promotional items, it's about being in the right place at right time.

[@strobo4unl]

I think Christian Knee needs to watch the video on how to fit a helmet. Strap looks a bit loose.

[@dennisphotography]

The saddle, yes the saddle is the worst, even if I'm only an amateur. Can't find the right one at the moment.

[@curbowman]

Being a Pro Cyclist is not unlike being a rock musician. Always on tour, having excelent gear but no real money, always practicing and being compared to the previous King of the Hill...

[@nateisnotemo]

Woah Daniel Oss going full Mitch Docker!!

[@Shippoyasha]

How does one train to be a semi-pro? Train everyday? I am not sure I will ever become a pro, but I'd like to learn how it feels like to ride like one.

[@Therobdog1000]

Big thumbs up from Australia for #thepeoplesfavourite @koendekort1.

[@JosefdeJoanelli]

Does anybody know what sunglasses Samuel Sanchez is wearing at 1:35? I'm pretty sure they are Oakley Frogskins, but what is the colour scheme?

[@edwardcarskadon8036]

Dan, nice "Fosters" sun glasses. How many of those did you have to drink to get them?

[@joewalker4618]

Is that a pair of fosters sunglasses the Dan is sporting ? :)

[@Thiiryon]

Reinardt Janse Van Rensburg : The worst thing is definitely not having time to brush my teeth in the morning. Everytime I get toothpaste into my mustache.(4:12)

[@Thiiryon]

Haha probably, but at this spot it first made me think about toothpaste

[@EVINwithaK]

best and worst thing about being a ds, mechanic etc

[@danielotalora7358]

For me the wort thing of cycling are injuries, specially if you're addicted to your bike. The abstinence is pretty hard.

[@jojojaykay]

Are the glasses Eisel are wearing the limited edition green fade oakleys?

[@AndronicasLion]

haha Dan's fosters glasses. good call!

[@Lancew4]

At 3:33 you can see the real unspoken hero of GCN. The camera man.

[@beatenbytheclown]

surprised nobody said being able to ride the latest and most cutting edge kit year in year out

[@glennoc8585]

Decent pay, keeping fit, a balance of having a gf/wife/partner but also time on your own us like a dream for most

[@AeroPortoCiclismo]

nice foster’s sunglasses mate... how many pints today? Cheers!!!

[@gcn]

he only drinks mineral water.

[@toontelen6378]

Lloydy is shinging in those glasses

[@MsFrogster1]

Nice fosters glasses 🍺🍺🍺🍻

[@boatscrypto5856]

at 5:30 there's a sweet helmet cover!

[@FlowWagon]

How many crashes is the average pro involved in per year?

[@NielsHeldens]

FlowWagon around 3-4 in races.

[@jacobh7719]

Notice how none of them said, "The girls."

[@hazimlee7599]

That's bcuz cyclist are very chill people. They aren't like athletes from other sports

[@gunnycarl9719]

can you interview Junrey Navara from dimention data?

[@ricklu5109]

Dylan: I think crashing in the sprint is the worst thing Jakobsen: What u say?

[@brunospasta]

Matt Brammeier makes pro cycling sound so easy : D

[@glennoc8585]

jo For them it is easy compared to most mortals with average heart lung capacity and time constraint s.

[@brunospasta]

What? Are they training like more than twice a week??

[@darrengreen7906]

GCN, sponsored by Camelback. ' GO HAMMER SOME TRAILS. WE GOT YOUR BAK ' Dan, sponsored by Fosters. ' Go and get hammered on some trails and fall on your back ' :D

[@treyquattro]

I'm going to forecast that Jon Dibben becomes the next GCN presenter, just on his hair game alone

[@ucnguyenminh9393]

Dan boldness is kinda growing on me actually... It's weird imagining him with long hair now ;)

[@HungNguyen-kp8gc]

Đức Nguyễn Minh baldness*

[@langy8525]

Surprised you guys didn't find Cav

[@geertje124]

Suggestion for a GCN video: how to wear your helmet with christian knees.

[@elliotreed7175]

What is Christian Knees' helmet strap?! 😅

[@LisztyLiszt]

Dan with his beer goggles on as usual.

[@sophisticat147]

Mineral water goggles...

[@Biggsy76]

Nice to see Dan picked up a new sponsor, his sunglasses are provided by a mineral water company.

[@TheWaxChainFanClub]

I've been struck by a brainwave, but, what about pedals permanently stuck to cleats, and just screw the shoes/pedals on to the bike. It might be quicker than clipping in for some people. #hack

[@jamiedavidsongrear1294]

Michael McDermott but then what if you need to unclip quickly? In the pro peloton they need to clip out quickly if there is a crash, and so if they had to unscrew it would take longer and possibly they would crash and have their legs stuck into the pedal- possibly causing bad injury

[@CharlieBennici]

I just wanna experience a pro CX race.

[@Chuck0601]

You mean not everyone goes to work commando?

[@Dhungerf60]

Alex Dowsett.....Going Commando every day? Really! Now thats a guy thats easy to please.

[@zenwheel8299]

It may seem a glamorous life to ride as a pro cyclist, but I'm thinking it's far from we think. Those men suffer because they love it. It's kinda like being a gladiator but on a bike, grinding it out week to week with an occasional horrific crash. What could be better ?

[@glennoc8585]

michael johns Very few have major crashes mind you, crashes yes but it's a lottery. I guess being a pro tennis player, footballer has less risk.

[@snoochpounder]

"Clipping in" Matt Stevens, maybe.

[@tahmedurrahman666]

Can you become a professional cyclist at 16 and work your way up the ranks? Like professional football?

[@icouldmakeitdecember]

I'm surprised nobody has said seeing Dan in white shorts.

[@conorverbruggen5133]

Surprised nobody said constantly checking your weight for the worst thing

[@zuyi8747]

Isn't helmet cover illegal?

[@jordywilliams]

4:28 OSS!

[@frazerguest2864]

There was one thing no rider said, and that surprised me...... Not one of them said that losing was the worst thing.

[@ritchiegardiner5659]

When dan interviews Rory look at the police on bikes

[@craigwellburn5714]

at 5.30 it almost looks like lloydy has his hair back...

[@samkirton5716]

Fosters sunglasses...good call

[@andiwyer]

Some truely shocking examples of helmets not being worn properly! #badexamples

[@glennoc8585]

Andi Wyer when your perhaps half hour before a race do you tension up?

[@eddiepliers1]

All except for Daniel Oss, but then again, if he grows his hair out any more, he won't need a helmet..

[@glennoc8585]

Eddie Smith Seems all the rage to go the Sagan look. Just let them follower Peter then look it off.

[@Maxmaxz]

Yeah, when Dan's been on the mineral waters, you need to make sure you're properly protected when you come up on the other side of his microphone. GCN interviews are not to be taken lightly.

[@MrGuiguiboz]

Of course Groenewegen said the worst thing is the spring

[@JensFredeRasmussen]

Holy mullet!

[@Xotic_23]

Haha look at the guys in the backround at 4:19

[@SNOWFLYMAN]

Do you know him?

[@fruitinprogress]

Im surprised none of them said one of the best things is riding the best & newest bikes & gear!!! Fully sponsored & paid to ride all the newest gear nice!!

[@alexdoherty1984]

Dan's sunglasses are making me thirsty.

[@mikedew9929]

Cavendish best:coming third with a puncture worst: getting a puncture

[@thomasbella100]

Can we just have a minut to talk about Christian Knees helmet strap??? what is going on!???