Can I Take Up Professional Cycling At 27?

You can participate in racing at any age. But as far as racing on the world stage, at the top level, you're starting out 15-20 years too late. That's assuming that you have the natural talent to be a professional cyclist, and the right genetic make-up.

Depending on where you live, there are a few hoops to jump through, too. In the US, for example, you need a USAC license, and then work your way up from the bottom, called cat 5, which will require actually winning some races along the way to advance beyond cat 4. I'm sure that other countries' federations have similar requirements.

Not likely but it has been done. Jean Nuttli a guy with apparently no athletic background trained on an indoor trainer many hours a day and joined the Phonak team as a TT specialist . He had very good success at the ITT. I am sure there are many examples of such stories but most that are pro- cyclist ever make the podium. Only the 10 % make it big.

Professional cycling exists at many levels, so with hard training you might be able to reach the level of a minor North American pro team. The chances of making it to the very top levels of any sport are small, even for people who start at a very young age. The first step is to buy a bike and start training, preferably with a local recreational cycling club so you can learn group riding skills after which you could try racing at an amateur level. Racing is not just about how strong you are, experience and learning race tactics are just as important. Once you have raced as an amateur and progressed to the highest category you might earn selection by a pro team. This is their choice, not yours, and to race in high level professional racing you have to be on a team that is invited to the top races. Your team will select you for particular races, you don't get to choose unless you are one of the top riders on the team

If you really like it, start with local events. You can't just "jump into" professional races.

Ask around local bike shops about joining a cycle club. That will give you a good idea of how you do vs. others in a non-competitive setting. If you can keep up with or out-do these folks, start entering local events, then state, then nation wide events.

Do it because you love it - not for the $$$.

Is it possible? Most likely not. Do you or I know for sure? No. Will not hurt to try. If you don't make it into the pros, you will be in fantastic physical condition and have met some amazing people during your journey.

I can't say for certain what you can and can't do. But hey, as long as you WILL it, it's possible. Just don't let anyone tell you otherwise though.

Although your chances might be slim anything is possible if you work hard at it. You have to work really hard and like others have said if it doesn't work out at least you tried and had a great journey trying.

Why not! Sure many pro athletes start out in diapers and have the talent to make it big.
You won't make it to be #1 in the world, but if you are passionate about cycling there is no downside to seeing how far you can make it at any age.

I am far from being a pro in cycling but common sense tells me that age 27 is already old for a starter in the game. I agree with one post that said 15 years old is a good age since you need to develop your body, your strength, and also your psyche on how to handle the pressures of training and competition. Perhaps you can still join pro racing but more of a hobbyist than a real pro who aims for the trophy. But then again, who knows if you might be the next Lance Armstrong.

Armstrong? Yep that would be the way to an accelerated program. Dope it to the max.

Even before good ol' Lance hooked up with an Italian witch doctor and discovered the wonders of EPO, he'd shown that he had the goods to at least compete on the world stage. He was a pretty good one day classics rider---even won a WC. Using the tried and true speed/cortisone cocktail handed down from Anquetil. But put a mountain in front of him and he turned from Secretariat into a plow horse. Until got got Ferraried.

I have always maintained that dope can't turn a slug into a rabbit but I prefer others as a good examples for success.

It's rare to jump professionally into ANY sport at that age. Even golf & that's the sport of Hoverrounds. I won't say it's impossible. If you think you're capable of competing against those younger & professionally linked for some time, go for it. The worst that can happen is you find it's too difficult. At least you'll know for certain.

I think so but you're quite young and I think it needs way more training.

With hardwork and dedication I'm sure you'll do fine. It is a little late for 27 but it is possible if you don't give up!

ZXD22 said:

With hardwork and dedication I'm sure you'll do fine. It is a little late for 27 but it is possible if you don't give up!

I don't think it's that late though lol. Many people begin in their 20's.

Don't listen to the discouraging comments. If you are a determined kind of person everything can be achieved through hard work!

roseblanchgte said:

Hello, I am a male of 27 years of age and I want to take up professional cycling. I always had passion for sports but just could not take it to professional level. Is it possible for me to train so that I could participate in cycle racing in few years time.

Go get a racing licence and find out...

Train, race, win. Simple, no?

Nothing is impossible if you set your mind to it and train hard. At 27 you're a little old to take up professional cycling but there are exceptions to the rule. Ultimately it will depend on how badly you want to pursue such a path. Deep inside, you know how truly passionate you're about professional cycling and if you're prepared to make the necessary sacrifices.