I QUIT My Job And Became A Pro Cyclist In 12 Months
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 24 พ.ย. 2024
- Alex Richardson was enjoying a successful career and took up cycling as a hobby at 26. He soon decided to quit his job and try to turn pro. He did it in just 12 months.
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After watching this I quit my job as a pro cyclist and became a stockbroker
Totalavulsion
LOL : ) 😂
And i quit my stock and broke my bike
Kklk awesome
😂😂😂
I broke my bike and got a stock one.
Rich or not... he was in a job and gave it up to do something he loves. I'm 52 and in the same boring dead end job since I left school.....my advice to you younger people......first of all recognise your dream, secondly, go for it 110% with everything you got, thirdly, if it don't work out...you gave it your best and you just get into a job like the rest of us.
Don't look back when you are 52 and think....if only I done this or that! Wishing you all health and the future you dream of.
For what it's worth Chris - don't think it's over at 52, it isn't. find something else and go for it. I understand this too. Also bear in mind when you're think "if only I had...", he's the 0.0001% of people who were successful thinking fuck it I'll do it, the vast majority aren't, but its still worth trying. Hindsight is the most perfectly judgemental and damaging of mistresses
I hope that one day I find that you did something like this in your world and were successful - when I do, I'll raise a glass and be happy for you mate. Good luck !
Best comment on here Cheers Chris
I can relate to you i m 34 😔
all well so act!
I respect your comment Chris!
Thanks for the wisdom and it’s never too late to chase your dream. Good luck💪🏼
I’ve raced Alex a few times and on one of his first races he won. He always raced aggressive. And was always begging a drink. Seams he is getting a lot of flack for having made a living so young. Alex has always came across very humble and friendly. Fair play to him for striving for what most will only dream of.
And was always begging a drink. :D I got a good laugh ! It's a wonderful sport. Especially if you have an extraordinary PCV and Vo2 uptake. :)
Dale Johnston what’s his first and last name so I can find him on social media
Well there is often resentment for those who buy their way in. I think if the individual has the potential then anyone could do what he did. But it seems to me that when your children are young there is this activation in some men that they have to make something happen, then they fill in the justification later, or not even bother. It feels good to do something and not feel like a looser. It’s like he was riding intensely away from the voice in his head telling him he sucked. (And towards the voice that was saying you are the best).
My theory is that men don’t know how to be manly or feel that way. To compete and win great accomplishments at Cycling, fishing, shooting, martial arts, running, or any athletics really. Just something to make you feel like the function of man has been performed. As millions of men embark on mastering a discipline they can sometimes go overboard and for every 100,000 guys that do this there is the one we hear about.
But to be there in the heard of struggling men attempting to prove their worth or find that edge and keep pushing. That’s what we today call being a man, that’s what is available and feels right for many of us.
Personally I found it deeply rewarding and grounding but also one dimensional and I traded off too much to pursue those passionate pursuits. Now I try and focus on having a balanced life, mastering no individual track but keeping many tracks going. It requires a different type of grounding, I use meditation.
@@michaelnice93 Very sensible words Michael. Its so easy to be too competitive and self critical at the expense of yourself and those you love.
yes, and if he doesn't achieve his racing goals he can go back to being a stockbroker. He's in a great position. Some of it's his own brains and some of it's luck.
So after watching this video i've quit my job, will update in 12 months if i'm a pro cyclist or homeless
gl
gl indeed
I did the same but unless you iam not joking
professional hobo
Thank you to him i just bought a tent coz my wife kick me out of the bedroom.
He's like if batman became a cyclist rather than a crime fighting superhero..
He's like if Bateman became a cyclist rather than a psychopath..
In the morning, if my face is a little puffy, I'll put on an ice pack while doing my sprint intervals. I can do a thousand watts now.
Golden comment. Made my day.
@@pbkleck er sociopath
Yeah without financial stability
I rode with this guy in a race. Crazy guy. He won the race btw ;p
XilumX1 What’s his name
@@theholygrom4235 Alex Richardson. His name can be found in the description box of the video.
I believe you and require no further evidence
Lol everyone saying in comments if you had the money..... first you need the mental fortitude, then a bit if talent, then the family support....no, not everyone can do this even with money.
We can tell you that Alex is certainly one of the most determined people we've ever met!
Absolutely. The fact he has money is irrelevant really. Anyone can put a crappy bike on a decent indoor trainer and commit to putting in the hours. OK so he could quit his job to commit, but how many people moan they dont have the money or time, but send hours in front of the TV. It is about choices. This story is so inspiring.
One needs money to live and cover up the living costs but hard work, dedication, mental fortitude are not brought in by money. People have time for TV, gaming, cinema, party, joint, getting pissed but not time for sport... Do whatever you wish just don't blame others for your own failure. (simply put, spot on your comment)
you certainly CANT do this without the money tho.
Fair play. He's worked for it. Good luck to him!
"We had our second child"
- Pops a Trek
This made me laugh way too much
how much is his Trek?
@@celinestgeorge depending on the year and the specs, at least 7000 dollars
He is now riding for Alpecin Fenix with Mathieu Van der Poel
I didn't belived when i first read this, but it is amazing 👏👏
Big respect to you, I only started cycling 14 months ago aged 57, I'm now entered for my first race in December. I've gone from XXL in cycling shorts to an L.
way to go! this will make you live 15 years more and in good shape.
And now this dude is on Alpecin Fenix. What a legend
Amazing story. You can buy expensive bikes and accessories, but not genetics, discipline and mental toughness.
awww someone is hating cause they can't win their local cat 5.. how cute
JM AF / Guess I should’ve added buying expensive PEDs to my comment. If he wants to win so badly, perhaps he should identify himself as a she and ride with the girls.
True
But you can buy the free time to rest and train. Even half the volume he was doing would be very difficult for someone working full time who has to get up early every morning.
but it helps to do it
This man is now in Alpecin-Fenix and rode the Tour of Britain! 🤯 At his age, and the non cyclist background he came from, literally only started cycling at 26, this is just amazing. It’s never too late to work on your dreams. Look at Alex man, so inspirational. 😲
He didn’t though. Look at his strava, he’d been doing crazy pro levels of riding for a few years.
After watching this video I quit my job AND cyclinng and just started watching TH-cam videos about bicycles...
😄
Haha
After watching this I quit being a human and became a bike
@ninjakawa1000 😆
I'm 26 with 2 kids, just started riding. He is my new hero
26 with 2 kids you must be a millioniar to even have a tiny chance
Still good luck dude
Quick tip: Get a basic Power Meter (for example: Stages 105 Left only), a Fluid Trainer (for example: Kinetic Road Machine 2.0) and get the Anual subscription to TrainerRoad huge list of Workouts and Training plans! Time to start making it happen!!
@@eduardorb4152 thanks for the tips!
And the next day you have forgot who he is
He bonked and thought "this is a great feeling"
First day and he’s a true cyclist.
That was my first realization after I completed my first amateur fixed gear crit race. I became obsessed afterwards.
Inspirational guy. He may have been financially better off than most people, but he showed some real dedication. I can respect that.
Man, this guy had his plan to become a pro cyclist down to a science. The reason he is so successful is that he thought out of the box and committed to doing what other people are not willing to do. Kudos to you bruh!
I mean i'm checking his strava, in 2014 he was doing 80km solo rides at 34km/h. He was obv ultra fit from the very begining
So awesome for him to be out there winning for himself. I've always thought team cycling was pretty dumb how someone who was strong would have to sacrifice the win for someone else on the team. I hope this dude continues to dominate.
Ok. Really amazing, a lot of effort, a lot of money. But how TF does that Guy is still married?
You already said it , he got money 💵
It’s kinda sad this comment has so many upvotes. Girls stay with guys after they beat and almost kill them. Yet, you would loose a girl if you go riding on weekdays.
Sebastian it was just a joke I’m pretty sure lad
He has money obviously
He's rich and good looking and out the house a lot.
The comments about how this guy is ''not really a pro'' make me laugh. Definitely coming from people who never competed at any level of cycling.
In 2017/2018, he was indeed at a very low level of PRO cycling. But this year, 2019, he's been constantly riding in .1 and .2 pro races and he even has won two of them ! The level is huge in these races. Most future top riders ride these races when younger.
If he was younger, he would definitely get interest from some Pro Continental (2nd division pro) and World Tour Teams (1st division). But as he is doing now, he might stay in 3rd division (Continental), as a leader. Which definitely, is ''pro level''. And definitely has my respect.
And would you believe it, now he's in the WT.
@@niklasdksalkin actually he's in pro continental but still he will probably get to ride a lot of worldtourraces
Deleby yea true, thought they got Katusha's license
I’ve struggled with anxiety for aslong as I can remember. But when I started mountain biking properly, I’ve felt this amazing weight fall off my shoulders. Every week I was looking forward to my next ride. I’m so much more confident in general and having something to be passionate and knowledgable about it amazing. This is all in the last 6 months after my lung collapsed. My fitness has been wildly improved since then, and I can’t wait to start playing Hockey again after missing last season 😆😆
Here I am thinking about how much data this video will cost me
Use wifi, not mobile 😂
Can believe the trolls are out on this video, absolutely fair play to him...this is commitment + effort + ability + passion = pay off. Plain and simple. Pro riders have access to endless top of the range kit from team suppliers/partners, he just had to pay for his own...you can't hate him for that. I saw the Lincoln win too and it was great to watch...granted no-one chased his break initially, but so what, he obviously played it just right then. Chapeau.
Although a "professional," in cricketing terms he would have been classed as a "Gentleman" rather than a "Player."
I remember in the 60's a French pro who rode with this status quite successfully but I can't remember his name.
Absolutely BRILLIANT effort.
Viva Hedge Funds!
Wauw! This video is so inspiring and gives a lot of motivation. Big respect for this guy and hopefully we will see him soon in the pro peloton.🚴♂️🏆
What a legend, pick whatever bikes he chooses, no team orders. Privateer for life. Good on you Alex.
I’d like to know more about his rejection of team sponsorship for health and weight reasons. Good for him to go it solo in the face of the personal pressures he absorbed to drop to unsustainable and destructive weight. It’s such a real issue that persists in cycling, especially for men, for whom eating and body image issues mix with performance.
There is a little bit here: twitter.com/AlexandarRicha2/status/995948169245741056
As far as I can see, he didn't "reject team sponsorship". It seems that he was given a leave of absence by his team after he dropped to an unhealthy weight, and then decided not to go back. He says the team were very supportive and that the responsibility for his weight issues was his alone.
@@StopTheRot It would be very surprising if One Pro were prepared to tell any random person who asked, given that the information doesn't seem to be public already.
It’s not body issues, it’s simply that every extra kg means you’re slower on climbs. I struggle with this myself but I am still overweight and only cycle for fun.
The dream is to meet you someday mate, you value more to me than even a Olympic or a tdf rider. You proved that rich people have different problems in life and yet you were committed.
Hats off pure legend!.
"If you put your mind to it.. you can accomplish anything"
- Marty Mcfly
Seems to have a few haters.. the guy had drive and passion to win races and is fortunate to be able to support himself and family while in pursuit of a dream!! Fair play! I am now 40 and have lots of what ifs!!! Chase the dream. 👌🏽👍🏼
This is brilliant to see. Hope he continues to smash all the people on teams, piss them all off.
With the right body type and extreme athletisim its possible for a very small percentage of people. Great job man! Hopefully you can ride in a grand tour one day.
He is now riding for Alpecin-Fenix with Mathieu vd Poel.
I can just imagine myself quitting my current life right now, start racing mountain bikes professionally.... just wow. This guy is an inspiration! 🤙🤙🤙
MTB_ROB imagination become reality yet?
really amazing story!
Er wurde bestimmt durch deine Videos inspiriert und hat dann entschieden seinen Träumen nachzugehen :D
Awesome story! Proof it’s never too late to make a change and just live for what you want to be/who you want to be!
This guy is inspiring. Good luck in 2019!
Kudos to Alex! Also kudos to his wife and kids for allowing him to pursue the dream!
Riding for canyon dhb next year.
What a man ,bravo love his attitude ,your story should be on a dvd ,Top man hope you win some more .
They shouldn't have mentioned he was a stockbroker as it just gets the haters out.
The mental and endurance strength involved in cycling is something you just can't buy with money.
And already two wins this season, way to go, Alex!
Now he's a world tour rider!
Amazing how he made his own luck.
Good for him! It's easy to be critical, but what he has committed to, and done, is awesome. Seriously, great job man. Keep hammering!
Yes, having such house in 26 years old, look like he can afford it... Because I know some great road cyclist that need to work in cleaning just to support his dream.
Great story. Took guts to follow his dreams, quit a steady job with a young family to support and then even bigger guts to say this isn't the way for me and to go it alone. Wishing Alex a successful 2019 season.
Great video boys
Brilliant Alex I wish you all the best. A fantastic gripping mini documentary of your success to date. Thanks for sharing your experience
wow. That is truely amazing, thanks for sharing!!
Yeah he may be loaded which helps to start with but the effort and training he put in is what's made this man achieve his goals many of us loaded or not just don't have what it takes. Respect 👍
Kudos to you👌
Rich and talented.. he came out from nowhere, dominating everyone on the event mades everybody surprised.. kudos bro.. :)
I reached a compromise...I didn't quit my job, I commuted to work 20 miles a day like RT like I was racing.. ALL OUT...
Good to hear your story Alex, it is inspirational and the level of detail and consideration to training and kit is very geeky, great stuff. Enjoy your cycling
it doesn't matter if you win by an inch or a mile, winnings winning.
- Dominic Toretto
Esequiel Tovar
1, I don’t cycle
2, it’s a line from a movie ..
Find another way home pizza boy !
Esequiel Tovar lol nobody’s trying to turn it into an argument except you ?, your trying to make yourself look cool on the internet or something, dude it’s a video & yes obviously I understand what you said I’m not illiterate
I quit cycling at 21 and I sometimes fantasize about returning to the sport, as the sport is still close to my heart. But looking at this, I'm pretty sure I just don't have the obsession. Which is why I quit in the first place. The competition is really fun, but what nobody tells you that even as an amateur you have to train like a pro to be even a little bit decent.
I quit my job. And till now I haven’t found a new
What a inspiring story... It defines to just continue to reach what your heart wants you to become... Don't stop believing...
What a excellent and open video he's definitely got the right attitude to succeed
another top vid CP. Well done Alex! Good luck for your future endeavours, mate.
Saving money for a good bike for 3-4 years now, still riding a cheap ass 600$ second hand bike. State level marathon runner and track athlete, but chose these because of lack of resources, i always admired pro-road bikes from my childhood. Im still 20 though, finishing my medical degree.
Good luck in your degree
You'll have a great engine if you're state level runner and it'll transfer well if you take up the bikes more seriously later. (Fewer injuries too).The guys I knew in the UK who were banging out 70 miles a week running, got up to 1st cat in a couple of seasons quickly when they took up cycling. One guy did it when he was almost 40. You don't need that expensive a bike either to do well. (An old aluminium frame and mid-level groupset will do you fine. Spend your money on fast wheels n tyres tho'!)
Good luck with your degree, keep training, buy yourself a nice race-ready bike when the time comes (better if it's AL because it's mostly about you, the cyclist😉) & beat a number of cyclists with more expensive gear than you.😏
everyone saying if they had the money they could do it too. apart from the whole "you can't buy mental toughness and dedication" argument, at the end of the day, you guys have to realize this man worked for his money too. Working in the city is no easy job especially as a stockbroker. I can imagine how tough it was for him just starting off in 2015. Probably working 60-80 hour work weeks and still being able to put 25+ hours of cycling a week.
I quit my job and refused to get another job then spent twelve months watching TV.
Congrats! Nothing like an underdog taking a big win. All the Lincoln Grand Prix teams (including One Pro) left in your dust, way to go!
Leaving 1 Pro was a good thing considering they folded...
Good go' to him 🙏
Living the dream. Go for it, you'll never know what you can achieve unless you ignore all the negative responses and just go for it.
from one addiction to another :D
True Inspiration! You can change something in your life if you are willing to put some deep passion and effort in it! My deepest respect bro
Michael Woods Canadian cyclist top pro now, took up cycling as an unemployed 25yo...
to add: he was an incredible runner (canadian jr record holder) before he took up cycling because of stress injuries. Interestingly, he was a mid distance guy, so while he definitely had great endurance, there's a big gap between
Congrats fella. I wish you well in pursuit of your dream. Bloody well done.👍🏻👍🏻🇬🇧
Let's forget about the money he may or may not have, the fact that he has two kids (obviously young with emotional and time demands) and a supportive wife that are behind him is incredible! That is sacrifice.
Great comment! His wife is indeed doing the hard work (although they might have a cleaner and nanny?). ☺
Alex, you total legend. Glad you're back with Tim's band o' lads next year. Top bloke.
Wow, that is pretty incredible my friend, strong mind and body for sure!! AND doing what YOU feel is right, and being right, ufff, takes the cake!!!
I love learning about the small things people do to optimise that extra 1%, like changing something to ceramics etc. It's the most interesting part of any sport in my opinion
Becoming a Pro isn't the crazy part: its becoming "thin" to keep up w the team, but to the point of "losing bodily functions". Not good
Been riding all my life. Helped me to stay balanced in life. Still riding and still loving it.
Most people here are talking about money. But most people here also wouldn't be able to train as hard and be on strict diet for any significant period of time... You can't buy such ability or inclination with money.
And everyone says get a bike that will make you want to ride. So no you cant literally buy determination. But buying a 20,000 dollar bike makes you want to ride more and therefore does buy you determination.
Assumption.
michwoz But the money means you can actually train full time.
sure, give me the money and I will train hard like him!
Raced with a couple guys like him, natural ability coupled with synthetic assistance. He has the resources, understanding, and desire, unfortunately for him this is the pinnacle. At this point in his life it’s a hobby he’s taken way too far. There is no meaningful end game, other than alienating himself from his family until there can be no return.
So cool how he had the resources and drive to focus 100% on a goal. Admirable for sure
Firstly, should we moan that he's got money? Well, from my point of view, it seems that he didn't inherit it, but earned it - perhaps not in the way we normally admire, but still had to prove himself in a stressful competitive environment. Perhaps the ability to survive in the stockmarket requires a similar skillset: confidence, ability, willingness to take advice but make your own decisions.Secondly in any skill based profession, talent is neck and neck with work ethic. Is he obsessivie? Probably. Is he inspiring? Definitely.We don't all have a privileged upbringing, but I know quite a few who have blown it. Here's one who decided to take risks from a position of comfort, which is rare. I didn't pick up on any arrogance or misplaced pride. So I'm willing to stand by and clap.
Well said
Spot on
I can agree with this statement he put in hard work and it paid off. Put the money aside he eventually would of got a sponsor Maverick riding as a pro.
You have no idea how he got his money, and I work with stock traders, and almost all of them have inherited money, or trade rich family and friend's money.
playandteach You don’t admire someone for working hard to achieve financial success for his clients? That’s the job of a stockbroker.
I'll second an earlier comment....Hats off to you and fare play no one can say you haven't worked hard. An inspirational video. All the best and good luck in the future Andy
Living the dream.
Ignore the haters, life is full of them Go bro !
He probably has an endurance background, conti pro from nothing in a year sounds like an dream, not realistic. Nevertheless, you can tell he is quite obsessive
Exactly. I was thinking: Maybe he could dope his aerobic system a lot in one year by cycling (low impact) but there still wouldn't be enough time in the day to compare to somebodies 10 years.
@@againstdrivingdrunk614 Seriously ramping up that fast would crack so many people I don't care if you had all the time in the world to train this would end in disaster for many. It takes a long time for people to build work capacity to be able to handle consistent 20-30 hour weeks on the bike.
just like the nobody who just played table tennis in a year everyday becomes pro level
they are different sports... and this guy is probably doping.... it's not such a big deal for people that know what they're talking about... these kind of people are all over endurance sports. Because they wan to be a "winner" ....
@@glenncaesar Table tennis is a whole other sport, you can't compare the two. Endurance sports requires years of base building for your body to be able to handle high intensity and volume training because it's a lot harder on your body.
This guy is an absolute inspiration. Jesus christ!! All respect goes to you!!
love this video. It should be titled 'Guy lost the plot and become a Pro cyclist'
I don't even cycle or find any interest in it but getting lost on TH-cam is a funny thing.
Kudos to to him. His commitment is awesome. I feel like buying a push bike now and riding around haha.
Damn... to be in my 20's again and be able to make a decision like that. I chased a pro golf dream... and ended up with nothing to show for it. Only took up cycling 1,200 miles ago, July 2018, and have become obsessed. Now at 40... there's no chance of doing anything other than club rides... maybe age class crit riding. Oh well... LOL.
The LEGS and other virtues will be/are their own reward--from spouse of nearly 55 age cycling person who still does 100 miles in 5 hours regular basis--stay with it! Divorce prevention behavior:) keeps your mind calm and clear and body going.
Amazing story! Alex you are machine! Big respect
Seems to me that Alex made his cash by himself, and is making the most of his life too. Good luck to him and his family. Chapeau!
Did he? At 25 years just after the crash he made a fortune? I would love to know how...
Money helps!! Im an average person and i have 2 bikes 1 from 1998 the other from 2014 and i wait 3 year to have it , so !!! Money helps!!!
But do you have Strava though?
Probably not with the recent update lol
It's all about attitude: I ride around 80-100 miles a week commuting to and from work, which means that when I do a century ride it is all about taking a weeks riding and putting it into one day; added to that, in winter I change from my 23" road bike to a fast 27.5" hybrid bike to keep cycle training in my commute. I am not made of money, but with saving and correct investment anything is possible.
So, use what is available to you certainly, but start with the right attitude.
Don't lie to yourselves, he didn't risk it all. Not saying that it is very difficult becoming pro in any established sport. But having the money does help a lot, especially during a FULL YEAR.
Objective thought is he has certainly got a winning, disciplined,
driven and self starter mind set. That in itself is difficult to maintain. Although easier to manifest when having a financial safety net. FairPlay to him for following his passion.
good video. could have said he was a stockbroker one more time though
They probably asked questions over and over in different ways.. plus he didn't edit the video.. all of that could have been cut.
@@ViggoBauman for sure. im not faulting the cyclist. the editing is a little silly is all.
Good luck to him. This takes courage and commitment.
The dream.
The reason this guy is so successful in the first place is mindset and that’s the same thing that has got him to where he is now with his cycling, nothing to do with money, yes it would of helped but he was sponsored very quickly and they would of provided him with what he needed to train anyway, he’s a pro for alpecinfenix now and a really good humble guy.