Why I never became a Pro Cyclist | My Cycling Story

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ส.ค. 2024
  • Explaining my cycling history, why I never went pro and if I would want to now.
    📈 My Cycling Coaching services: www.nero.club/coaching
    Follow me on Strava: / strava
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ความคิดเห็น • 116

  • @par5997
    @par5997 2 ปีที่แล้ว +57

    Rare humility these days. Subscribed.

    • @bitchoflivingblah
      @bitchoflivingblah 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      same here - leveled headed guy whose well sorted.

  • @tolulopeobe
    @tolulopeobe 2 ปีที่แล้ว +27

    I agree with point 3 especially! The bunch! The adrenaline! Pro cyclists are absolutely bonkers- I’m not going to be shrugging shoulders in a pack when I know there’s a possibility of someone crashing and getting injured. The sweet spot is absolutely working, earning good money and getting to ride your bike, leisurely or in races and you have that. Love it - honestly can’t ask for more

  • @marcusestlin5631
    @marcusestlin5631 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Honest, insightful and well structured video. Keep up the great content and vid's Jesse.

  • @benjaminpegard6504
    @benjaminpegard6504 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Great video Jesse ! Nice insight of your thinking around cycling at a high level without sacrificing everything

  • @stevew158
    @stevew158 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I really enjoy your videos, lots of great information presented in a easy to understand format. Thanks

  • @grey_fox7
    @grey_fox7 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Enjoyed this video. Appreciated the honest take on your abilities and limitations.

  • @neemmachine
    @neemmachine 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    A very interesting video. I would be super keen to get to hear some of the stories about your big stage wins/team results or your journey from beginner cyclist to the level you are at!

  • @wendysuperfan1014
    @wendysuperfan1014 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks Jesse! Love watching you in the NRS Jesse. Do what you love, love what you do!!

  • @rambojonj1838
    @rambojonj1838 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Excellent vid.
    Youre still the top 3 of my local climb ,Brooklyn.
    Cant believe how fast you guys motor up there 🇦🇺💪👊

  • @pauljakeman
    @pauljakeman 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    This was a really great video buddy, I think you have the better deal in a way as you get to pick and choose more of what and when you want to race, must be less stressful in a way. And congrats on your wins.

  • @jwit76
    @jwit76 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Well done man, very honest and extremely humble approach to the subject matter. You are obviously an incredible athlete and have much wisdom to share.

  • @ilgour
    @ilgour 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great video, love the perspective your giving.

  • @Openwheelappreciation
    @Openwheelappreciation 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I like how you have spread some light on the pro scene and how it isn’t all that glamorous as it looks on the tv. Personally, my biggest aspirations at the moment is to go Continental, and that’s my big future goal, but I also have the same thing about not ‘wanting’ to go pro. I have thought about it a lot, and if the opportunity ever presented itself, but I am content to race at a conti level (with some Asian racing involved) and to be working on the side for my income.

  • @davidmckieyt
    @davidmckieyt 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Loved this. All your videos are great. Thanks heaps.

  • @trevorduncan9635
    @trevorduncan9635 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    you nailed the reply. Seems what your doing sound more balanced and rewarding - best of both worlds. makes sense.

  • @yeahnahyeahnah2160
    @yeahnahyeahnah2160 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Big respect for making this. Thanks for sharing

  • @MichaelThorne_za
    @MichaelThorne_za ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Kudos for sharing this video. Huge respect. 👏 You're a pro gentleman.

  • @melbman43
    @melbman43 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Think you've sumed that all up Jesse, I've been around the Melbourne cycling scene for a while and have herd of many riders who have raced in Europe and everything you said so did they.

  • @GS-pk9rd
    @GS-pk9rd 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Interesting and honest perspective about what it takes to go pro. You probably do have the strength and fitness - or could get there - but being prepared to crash and risk it all, and endure mentally is another matter entirely for most folk. We've seen examples of pros speaking out about this recently like Kennaugh, Dumoulin, Almeida just recently

  • @BrettKelly74
    @BrettKelly74 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Love the honesty, so refreshing.

  • @wastrey123
    @wastrey123 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    great video! loved the insight!

  • @lloydhlavac6807
    @lloydhlavac6807 2 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    I was an amateur racer in the US for over 25 years, and I can really identify with your reasons for not turning pro, especially as my racing style practically mirrors yours. I was several times TT champ of the state of Florida, but my climbing was so-so, and I was a horrible sprinter. And yeah, being in the middle of a 100+ rider pack made me a little bit nervous, not thrilled, especially if the race ended in a crazy pack sprint. And I did get to race on a few occasions against guys who had been in the TdF. But I was never good enough to be a pro racer.

  • @jamesgreene1979
    @jamesgreene1979 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Jesse, saw you in Chris’s videos of course but just stumbled across your own channel this morning. I’ve watched a few videos, I’ve subscribed, and I’m loving the content man. Look forward to watching loads more.

  • @Masteroiece
    @Masteroiece ปีที่แล้ว

    Lots of respect. Some times we are just not that good enough and it’s ok. Just keep training hard and enjoy the riding

  • @adamsims6490
    @adamsims6490 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Good vid. Nice to hear your perspective.

  • @nicholi1246
    @nicholi1246 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Great video👌 I asked mainly because you mentioned some of your teammates went pro and you even race with world tour teams, so I figured the potential was there. Personally I wouldn’t want to be a pro either

  • @adriankite8849
    @adriankite8849 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Love the content, good insight 🙂👍

  • @user-ow1jh8yb5j
    @user-ow1jh8yb5j 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Not a name drop at all - respect for those experiences and the hard work to get there. Done a couple of races with pro conti and conti races in and some great experiences just to race with them

  • @Peter-wg1ri
    @Peter-wg1ri 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Really glad I found this channel.

  • @billszymanski4844
    @billszymanski4844 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    wonderfully honest and candid.

  • @drjimslearninghub9191
    @drjimslearninghub9191 2 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    You're too smart Jesse. That time you pulled across the long gap to the breakaway in the Herald Sun tour. That was epic.

  • @jamessingleton4856
    @jamessingleton4856 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Brilliant and very honest video!

  • @joshkwan
    @joshkwan 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great insight, interesting video

  • @hamishosborne8740
    @hamishosborne8740 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    You’re a pro in my heart ❤️ Great vid. Really loving the content you’re putting out! Keep it up!

  • @1Qko
    @1Qko ปีที่แล้ว

    Subscribing after watching this video, very honest explanation.

  • @whitm8823
    @whitm8823 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Love to hear this kind of story! If you don’t mind sharing, what job do you currently have that allows you to train so much?

  • @vernefits1953
    @vernefits1953 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Great content

  • @collectivesartori
    @collectivesartori 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Nice honesty 👍

  • @hunters641
    @hunters641 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Bravo, lots of integrity

  • @mr.gewehr9862
    @mr.gewehr9862 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great info.

  • @MikeStarr1000
    @MikeStarr1000 ปีที่แล้ว

    honesty was refreshing

  • @christiangaya4730
    @christiangaya4730 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Maybe do a video on what it takes to get to the NRS! would be really interesting and i bet there's people watching your channel with those aspirations.

    • @jarrodfife242
      @jarrodfife242 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yeah, I would love to make it to the NRS in a few years. I’m a bit older 23 but love riding and do it 12 hours avg a week throughout the year.

  • @out_spocken
    @out_spocken ปีที่แล้ว

    love the open honest vid Jesse. Appreciate the no pretence persona and attitude you have. Say it as it is, don't apologise for who you are or pretend to be something you aren't. Question I have...IF..IF you got given a pro contract..and you had to at least do 1 year (so no pop in for a GT and thats it) would you do it?

  • @ironbuttcycling146
    @ironbuttcycling146 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Wow you raced here on Philippines. I hope you will comeback here soon

    • @nerocoaching
      @nerocoaching  2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Thanks, I loved it. Crazy roads and very hot. I hope to go back and race as well

  • @PlexusTen
    @PlexusTen 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    nice video!

  • @marcuskoh2172
    @marcuskoh2172 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Appreciate your "realness"

  • @albertkikstra
    @albertkikstra หลายเดือนก่อน

    Absolutely! There’s literally hundreds,if not, thousands of riders trying to get a pro contract with wattages equal to pro level but there’s only a few hundred spaces available..it’s not a great life.

  • @swites
    @swites 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I felt like I made it racing for a local masters team in NZ lol. Honestly its hard winning a B grade club race for most of us. In NZ to go pro you either need to win an Olympic medal on the track and get selected as a work horse, or head over to Belgium and win quite a bit. Get in some good European teams get noticed, get lucky and end up in the World Tour. Or just be an absolute freak and be able to ride 6W/kg for over 30mins!

  • @iimmolarious7636
    @iimmolarious7636 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Funny to see you use a picture from de ronde van rhoon, the crit in my hometown. I raced that day as well.

    • @nerocoaching
      @nerocoaching  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Small world! We had a great time over there, you've got access to some great riding and racing

    • @iimmolarious7636
      @iimmolarious7636 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@nerocoaching We sure are blessed with so many races in the area. If I want to I could race 5+ days a week without having to drive more than an hour to a race. The Netherlands is a great place to live as a cyclist. It's good to hear you had a great time here, its alot of work to organise these crits with finding sponsors, permits for blocking the road etc.

  • @RudiDwiHartanto
    @RudiDwiHartanto 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    in Indonesia outside of the national team its actually a pretty hard life if you wanna race your bike full time.

  • @skylasung3539
    @skylasung3539 21 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Great point about the money.

  • @aedsy
    @aedsy 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Very honest!

  • @czeckson74
    @czeckson74 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    really honest statement -
    greetings from Austria

  • @benglover6019
    @benglover6019 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Don't forget that Caleb's won at heffron and so have you, theres still hope !!!! Although I think Caleb was about 15 racing and winning A Grade

  • @ryandorris7144
    @ryandorris7144 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Nailed it

  • @petercummins1097
    @petercummins1097 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I used to race and train with Rob's father, Steve when we were members of Norths.. Doing hill reps up Bobbo with him was a f*cking horrible experience. Stupidly strong rider.

  • @cliffcox7643
    @cliffcox7643 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Ive been training my ass off, but can't seem to improve over last 5 months ago.

  • @alanbell1821
    @alanbell1821 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Hi. 56 yrs ftp 200 trying to get to 250. Been zwifting solid for 1 yr so probably had initial surge is 250 doable for age 60 ,giving myself 4 yrs 5 ft 10. 12 stones

  • @GunsG57
    @GunsG57 2 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    Video idea:
    - Current Aussies you think have the engine to go pro.
    - Current Aussies you think WILL go pro.
    - Worst calves in the NRS.

  • @bernardinfeld1282
    @bernardinfeld1282 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you for giving some perspective to professional bike racing to the rest of us mere mortals. Love your channel

  • @BobMcAllan
    @BobMcAllan 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Most racers just want to race for the endorphins. Bikes, tech, shaving, carbon, training, ftp, racing, pro, conti, junior or masters are all parts of the world of a racer. Keep up the vids.. hope there are plans for NERO NO-PRO teams starting all over AUS.

  • @wubble666
    @wubble666 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    As you pointed out getting noticed is almost impossible in Australia.
    We just need to accept that when it comes down to it the NRS is really just a level above Club level racing when you compare to what is seen in Europe where most clubs have a Continental level team and you have a full season of racing for Continental and Pro Continental level teams.

    • @nerocoaching
      @nerocoaching  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I don't totally agree on this. It is definitely difficult to get noticed, but the top level of NRS racing is very high quality. Certainly not just a step up from club level. We see every year the top riders in the NRS are competitive internationally.
      There is definitely less depth compared to Europe, but a consistently good top rider (lets say top 5) in the NRS is usually good enough to go pro. Issue is they probably won't because its difficult to get exposure.

    • @wubble666
      @wubble666 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@nerocoaching While there are riders that are good enough my problem is that the racing is not there. In truth how many races held across Australia would even rate as comparable to a Continental level in Europe.

  • @zwtvchannel
    @zwtvchannel 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    “Not give any fucks and just send it” 😂😂😂 good insight mate

  • @maguilecutty
    @maguilecutty 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    One thing you eluded to but really isn't understood is that the level in AUS/NZ and even the US is just not what it is here in Europe. Being and Aussie who races in Germany, lives in Girona during winter and races sometimes here, the racing is literally 1 level above back home. Our Cat 3 in Germany is often harder than A grade races in Melbourne for eg...I know so many guys who came from top level NRS to race in the Amateur races in France, Belgium and the Netherlands and just got smashed...

  • @Kanonka28
    @Kanonka28 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    DURIANRIDer is a fantastic pro.

  • @TheMASDrummer
    @TheMASDrummer 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Did you get rekt in Belgium

  • @philfortner1805
    @philfortner1805 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The hard work as a pro is living like a monk, eating only for the training, training, resting, and doing that in any weather, anywhere.

  • @sydfin
    @sydfin 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video mate, have seen you in action and in my opinion you have made it. Your not pro because you don’t need to be.

  • @brunospasta
    @brunospasta ปีที่แล้ว

    I am surprised that you would say most uci conti teams do not have salaries. In Europe pretty much every conti riders gets sth, some even do it full time.

  • @stianpollestad754
    @stianpollestad754 ปีที่แล้ว

    Not only do the pros have to race in shitty weather, they also have to train in it. You have to do the miles no matter what the conditions are like sometimes.

  • @Tomisdebomtom
    @Tomisdebomtom 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    But do you use GoPro?

  • @FitnessSynthesis
    @FitnessSynthesis 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    What is your full time work. It seems we are the same

  • @Richz2
    @Richz2 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hardest job in sport... unless you are the top 0.5- 1% there isn't much job security and it's a short career. once it's over... then what?.What you are doing at the moment seems to being you happiness and satisfaction....

  • @jezhopo7221
    @jezhopo7221 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    You forgot to name drop chris; pro masters rider

  • @Kanonka28
    @Kanonka28 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    whats your VO2MAX ?

    • @nerocoaching
      @nerocoaching  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Haven't had it tested for cycling

    • @Kanonka28
      @Kanonka28 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@nerocoaching and for running?

  • @faizjimjali8031
    @faizjimjali8031 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Would you go for rim or disc?

    • @nerocoaching
      @nerocoaching  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      th-cam.com/video/6gnX2EgP4t4/w-d-xo.html

  • @irl-cyclist01
    @irl-cyclist01 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Good points, also to add you don't have any career post cycling. So say to finish at 35. You're income will be working at a bike shop without education.

  • @rothaicc
    @rothaicc ปีที่แล้ว

    It's funny would people ask the same stuff of their mates who play soccer and train at amateur's level.

  • @justinbloomer
    @justinbloomer 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    What if you were Tadej Pogacar?

    • @nerocoaching
      @nerocoaching  2 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      Then I'd have won the Tour de France twice

    • @scottf3456
      @scottf3456 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@nerocoaching lol

    • @careymahoney1605
      @careymahoney1605 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      He's no where near Pogacars level ...lol !

    • @justinbloomer
      @justinbloomer 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@careymahoney1605 nobody is near Pogacar's level 😁

  • @Sills71
    @Sills71 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    If you are not at or near the very top, there is very little reason to be a pro. If you can't win races and make a ton of money, why bother?

  • @S.Prestage
    @S.Prestage 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    you're a great youtuber m8

  • @davidnsquires
    @davidnsquires 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I like the fact that one of your reasons wasn't about having to dope if you were to go pro. I personally like to believe that the sport is much cleaner these days, but it wasn't that long ago where you'd have to factor in that decision if you wanted to make the step up.
    Clearly pro cycling isn't a happy place these days. The modern training methods are not "fun" for many it seems, vs the old style of long slow training rides and getting race fitness in races. The pressures within team roles also seem higher than ever. Add in the constant fight to earn a new contract, teams folding every year and it is obvious why a normal job with some racing on the side can be rather appealing.

    • @matejburian3191
      @matejburian3191 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Sometimes when We look at things racionally they do not make any sense at all, but we still doin them, I think being Pro athlete is more of status and that "achievement" feeling more than anything else, It's just ridicolously hard challenge that some individuals are seeking in their lives and I completely understand that

    • @rambojonj1838
      @rambojonj1838 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Dreaamer

  • @adamsims6490
    @adamsims6490 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I think you are being a bit modest. I’d say that you are more than talented enough to be pro. But the essential ingredient is that ‘want’ and a pretty big ego. Because as you say it’s not like most do it for the money.

    • @nerocoaching
      @nerocoaching  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      I guess "pro" in the sense of being good enough to fill a spot on a Pro Conti team yes, but talented/strong enough to get results at that level or above, I really don't think so. There is a ginormous gap between pack fill, and results

  • @donwinston
    @donwinston 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Seems to me that Australians are amazing at cycling, and many other sports for that matter.

    • @rambojonj1838
      @rambojonj1838 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yep , we are.
      All round legends.
      Per capita smash every other country by far.
      🇦🇺💪👊

  • @Yoda-em5mt
    @Yoda-em5mt ปีที่แล้ว

    Hey Jesse totally get it i,m old now raced pro mtb before you were born ha ha , totally aggree all good racers are nutts , i kinda miss the aggro of pushing and shoving in racing and yelling abuse ha ha , the one thing i really hated about being a pro rider was having to lie about shit bikes and shit products . The real truth is there are some really really good riders that just dont want to race and in fact are better than the pro racers , the other point is you need to be an arse kisser to be a pro anything companies dont like the truth . I still love riding more than ever and would never want to ride pro again . Cheers mate look forward to more vids .

  • @ruiteixeira1594
    @ruiteixeira1594 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Riding in continental level, is where you compete crapy races, nor pro or worldtour.

  • @williambardsley7540
    @williambardsley7540 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I think most people see Podgcar making 6m euros a year and think racing bikes is glamorous. Most even tour cyclists are making around 25k euros every 6mths and having to fight for their life in the peloton everyday while slogging away 25+hrs a week on the bike and likely having to go through contract renegotiations all the time because they probably are not winning races, on top of everything you said about staying in shit hotels and living out of a bag away from your family. Then you can just crash your bike one time and you are completely done.

  • @jovencanumay9035
    @jovencanumay9035 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    yeah you don't need to be a pro to enjoy cycling right :)

  • @_beesh
    @_beesh 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    9.30 daily ritual

  • @notreally2406
    @notreally2406 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Because you weren't good enough

    • @nerocoaching
      @nerocoaching  2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Yeh that's what I said in the vid