Hi there, I was hoping you guys could give me some advice about starting road racing?
I am 27 and have always loved to cycle fast - I am too old to get into it seriously now? Or do you think that my age wont be a problem? On a second note - I just bought a Pinerello Sestriere - It's setup with mudguards for audax riding. Is this a suitable bike for mid to long distance road racing? I'm a total newbie to competitive cycling so any advice would be greatly appreciated.
On a side note - just got back from the london to brighton this year - it was hot sticky and the tar melted! But it was fun🙂 I got 49.1 mph down ditchling beacon into Brighton - thats my top speed so far! wahooo
Dude, you're 27. Too old? Please. The cat 5 races I'm at have 27 probably as the average age of the racers. You are not too old. Start training and find some races in your area.
I started cycling competitively at about your age and was able to stay with the front group on RRs up to about 80 miles after 3 months. Of course, it didn't hurt that I rode training rides of 60 miles a day with a group of strong riders. I can't overemphasize the value of riding with a group of other racers. Ask around and find out where and when they ride. Ask them if you can tag along. You may get dropped at first, but eventually you'll be able to stay with them.
I started this year at 33. I'm doing well. Your background will have a lot to do with initial success. I've been into fitness, weight training, hockey and soccer all my life, so the leap wasn't too large.
I'd say results should be secondary at this point. Do it because you love it, the results will come.
Thanks for your encouragement everyone! I am really keen to get started and have joined the CTC and Devon DA - I hear there is an Exeter section so I shall be along soon to have a go.
I know I'll get dropped a lot at first - but I want to do it because I love cycling 🙂 Any other newbies to the Exeter DA on this forum? Thanks again for your advice everyone.
As a newbie road racer - could any of your recommend a good training book(s) to get me started - or do I just hook up with other beginners?
I'm quite nervous about starting as I know I'll be pretty poor to start with and need a lot of training. I can ride 100miles but my average now would be at best around 16mph. Thanks all.
As a newbie road racer - could any of your recommend a good training book(s) to get me started - or do I just hook up with other beginners?
I'm quite nervous about starting as I know I'll be pretty poor to start with and need a lot of training. I can ride 100miles but my average now would be at best around 16mph. Thanks all.
There are some good books. Unfortunately, I can't find the one I used when I was your age. It was an 8 1/2 x 11 softback book with a white cover, written by an Italian professional road racer. I think it was published by Campagnolo. Of course, it wouldn't have all the latest training protocols based on power meters. But, you'll be much better off saving toward a power meter and finding a group to ride your training rides with. Your first problem in road racing is to be able to stay with the group out front. Until you can do that, you're not really racing, you're filling out the start line and funding the trophies. To stay with the group in front, you have to be able to survive the surges and the climbs. The best way to do that is to ride your training rides with a group of strong racers. If I were in your situation and was serious about racing, I would be willing to drive 20 or 30 miles to hook up with a strong group of riders on their daily training rides. At a minimum, find a group of strong riders to ride with on the weekends. They will teach you more than any book I know of. And, get that power meter -- buying a racing bike without a pm is like buying a race car without a tach.
27 is not too old to start, in fact you and I are starting at about the same age. As for training material, there is a lot of stuff on the internet. It also doesn't cost anything.
Try pezcyclingnews.com and cyclingnews.com, they have some good info.
I'd highly recommend Friel's book, "The Cyclist's Training Bible." Really thorough, without being overburdened by technical/scientific jargon. Another good one which is perhaps more practical is Arnie Baker's "Smart Cycling"
I'm 51 and have recently been sidelined from triathlon due to a foot injury (plantar fasciitis) but can still ride my bike. So I have started doing competitive road racing. I've done a few Cat 5 races (masters is way too hard) and am having a blast. 27 is undoubtedly too late to get started with ambitions of going pro or something like that, but just fine for doing it as an amateur. Have fun!
