🚴‍♂️ What makes a pro a pro? 🚴‍♀️

For many, sport is about winning and success. But to truly become a pro, there is so much more required than just talent or a gold medal. It’s about discipline, perseverance, mental strength, and perhaps most importantly: fun. Because without the latter, you won't get far. This is the message for young mountain bikers, cyclocross riders, and road cyclists. 🚴‍♂️✨

🎯 Talent is just the starting line, hard work is the race Many people believe talent is the key to success. But talent alone won't take you to the top. It's just your starting point. According to research by Anders Ericsson, it’s not talent, but deliberate practice that makes the difference.

Successful athletes like Mathieu van der Poel repeatedly emphasize that their achievements are the result of hard work. It’s the extra training in the rain, continuing to climb steep hills when your legs protest, and never settling for anything less than your best. A true pro keeps going, even when fatigue sets in. 💪🌧️

🧠 Mental strength: pushing through when it gets tough Mental strength can be trained just like physical strength. A tip: set small, achievable goals during tough training sessions and focus on what you can control. Use breathing techniques and visualization to push yourself through difficult moments. 🚴‍♀️🔥

On the road to the top, you’ll face injuries, setbacks, and doubts. What sets a true pro apart is mental resilience. Wout van Aert is a great example of this. His perseverance in the toughest races, like the Tour de France and the Superprestige cyclocross series, shows how important a strong mindset is.

Mental strength means you keep fighting, even when everything is against you. It’s not enough to be fast or technically strong—you also need to be mentally tough, able to withstand challenges, and keep believing in yourself. 🚴‍♀️🔥

⏳ Discipline and choices: living for your sport Want to get better? Start with a training routine that’s achievable and sustainable. Keep track of your progress and be honest about your weaknesses. Don’t forget that rest and nutrition are just as important as training itself. 🍏🏋️‍♀️

Becoming a pro requires sacrifices. Sometimes it means skipping an evening with friends for an extra training session or going to bed early to be fit for the morning ride. Tom Pidcock has often emphasized that it's not easy to always make the right choices, but it’s the only path to success.

It’s not just about training, but also nutrition, rest, and recovery. Discipline determines how far you’ll go. 🍏🏋️‍♀️

🎉 Fun as the secret power To keep enjoying it, mix up your training and make sure there’s variety. Train with friends, discover new routes, and set fun challenges for yourself. When you enjoy it, training feels less like a chore and you stay motivated for longer. 🚵‍♂️💖

Perhaps the most important factor for a long career: fun. Without passion for the sport, you won’t last. Look at Nino Schurter—despite all his world titles, his love for mountain biking has always been the driving force.

Fun isn’t just about winning; it’s also about the process: the training, the challenges, and the growth. When you enjoy what you do, success becomes a natural consequence. 🚵‍♂️💖

💪 Everyone deserves respect: your journey matters It’s easy to admire only the champions, but every athlete who gives their all deserves respect. The journey to the top is personal, and it's not just the podium that defines your worth, but your commitment and passion.

🚴‍♂️ The value of the journey 🚴‍♀️ Remember, elite sports lay a great foundation for your future, no matter where you end up. The skills you develop—perseverance, handling pressure, and self-discipline—are valuable in any career and every aspect of life. So, enjoy the journey and be proud of your effort, because that shapes you as a person.

Not everyone reaches the absolute top, and that’s okay. Everything you learn on this journey—discipline, perseverance, mental strength—you’ll carry with you throughout the rest of your life. Even if cycling or mountain biking ends up as a hobby next to your work, the lessons you’ve gained remain valuable. You’ll learn to handle setbacks, set goals, and bring out the best in yourself. That’s what makes the journey worthwhile. Becoming a pro is about discipline, perseverance, mental strength, and fun. It’s a journey of hard work and pushing your limits. So, young athlete, remember: the real pros don’t just win—they live for the sport, never give up, and continue enjoying the journey. Because when you do what you love, success follows naturally. 🚀💫