Cycling Potential Tests

So many things have happened recently. I will be brief as I don't have much time on my hands.

I have always wanted to test and see if I have the potential to become a good cyclist. So my friend introduced me to his coach to take some tests. I was to take the VO2max test. I was super stressed and thought I must get a good value since my cycling career is on the line! I didn't sleep well etc for several days before the test and aimed for 50 ml/min/kg (the value on the verge of a Cat 2 and a domestic pro female).

The test day finally came. We first measured my legs strengths. That was hard. I asked whether I have to give it 100 % because I need to conserve energy to get a good VO2max! Then came the VO2max test, I have to stuff this huge tube to breath through inside my mouth which looked dodgy and felt uncomfortable. Then I started pedaling, my coach was calling out for me to increase my cadence as the resistance increased. I could see that my VO2max was soon over 40 ml/min/kg! After awhile, my mouth started to feel horribly dry but otherwise I was fine. Suddenly, my legs gave out and I just couldn't push anymore, my cadence dropped from 80 to 40 in a matter of seconds. So the test was stopped and I got 54 ml/min/kg!!! That of a domestic pro! My coach was visibly excited. The value would have been higher if I have stronger legs. On Sunday we met with the coach and he showed me the results. Along with the high VO2max score, he told me how uncommon it is to have legs of equal strengths (in this case, weaknesses), and how I use predominately fat as energy source. He said I should write a letter to my parents to thank them for my genes haha! I need to work on my legs strengths. As well, my lung capacity is low, this can be improved by swimming (which I refuse to do) or by breathing exercises. I now have my own training program and have a diet program. hahaha like a real athlete. Today I went to do weight lifting and tomorrow is some easy rides. I was told the first time in my adult life that I am overweight! So I have to lose weight, which is fine because I have already lost 3 lbs over the past 3 weeks or so (currently at 127 lbs).

All I wanted was to get the tests taken. But now I have a coach! He is very respected and advises the tour de france teams on who to choose as their GC! Yesterday I got my bike fitted by the coach, he measured my legs lengths and pointed out how rare it is to have equal lengthed legs. Well, it seems that I have all the requirements and more to become a good cyclist. All I need to do is train hard and be persistent. Even my mum finally agreed that I could 'do some cycling in my spare times'.

During all of this, my friend is always by my side. I'm really glad that I met him. He is a very good and experienced cyclist without being arrogant and is direct and seems to have integrity. I like him as a person which means a lot, because in my life, I can't say that I have met even a handful of people whom I liked for their personalities.