Too Late to Start?

[TommySlater]

Hi all,

I am a 19 year old male and have been a competitive swimmer my entire life. Over the past year I have suffered a number of injuries to my shoulders/back which have prevented me from pushing myself in the pool. Due to this I have been quite upset and feel slightly lost as to what to do with myself.

I have recently been considering cycling as an option as all of my injuries are in my upper body, but I keep convincing myself that it is too late to get into cycling as a competitive sport.

I would be grateful if anyone with experience in competitive cycling would able to help me make a decision as to what to do. Many thanks.

 

[Cuchilo]

I did my first timetrial at 41
I wrecked the top and bottom half of my body growing up and having a ball

 

[Tin Pot]

There's some athletes with pro advice here:
http://www.tritalk.co.uk/forums/index.php
Or more generic here:
http://forum.slowtwitch.com

As they all know swimming and cycling I feel they may be well placed to advise.

 

[Dayvo]

I did my first timetrial at 41
I wrecked the top and bottom half of my body growing up and having a ball

Did it drop late?

 

[Hill Wimp]

Sorry but you are 19 thats far too young to think you are too late to start anything.

 

[fossyant]

You are never too old and you'll have a good fitness from the swimming.

 

[welsh dragon]

I wish I was 19.....again. your definitely not too old. Good luck.

 

[Dayvo]

I wish I was 19.....again. your definitely not too old. Good luck.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JcFFEjq5Ap8

 

[bikingdad90]

How competitive do you want to be?

As you have good fitness levels and after a little bit of coaching and training I reckon you would be able to enter some cat 3/4 races where you sit in the peloton getting experience of group riding, chasing down breakaways and how to ride in various conditions at speed.

If its your thing and your successful you could quickly move up to cat 2 and 1 and if your are lucky get sponsored and ride for a team, maybe go elite or pro in a few years?!

If you want to get into track cycling you will need to shine at comps with scouts to get into an academy and take it from there.

 

[GeoffCapes]

I've had reconstructive surgery on my shoulder twice. Cycling is perfect, doesn't hurt my shoulder at all.

Crack on!

 

[Dave 123]

Read this....

http://totalwomenscycling.com/lifes...-national-champion-52075/#EReXDHjxA6drbWpY.97

 

[jefmcg]

Have you considered triathlon?

 

[vickster]

If you have a dodgy upper body, make sure you get the right bike in the right size and make sure the shop fits you on it before you leave (you may need to make subsequent tweaks once you ride more and get used to the position ). Get the shops advice on the best bike given your injuries

If working with a physio, find one with cycling knowledge and interest

 

[xxDarkRiderxx]

Never to young .... just go for it.

 

[vickster]

Never to young .... just go for it.

Or old