Understanding Road Cycling Races: A Guide for Fiction Writers

Question
Hi Scottgem. I'm a fiction writer, working on story about a character
who races bikes, and I need some background information on the
sport.  (I do a little mountain biking myself.)

Buddy races in the Tour de Georgia, on say, the US Postal Team,
collides with a car, and breaks his back.

Here are my questions:
1)  How did he get in the race?  Was he invited?  Did he try out
for it?
2) What are some smaller races he would have run before this
one?
3) How much would he train?  (He's training in Taos, NM, at
7000 ft.)
4) About how much money would he make for this race, and
could he make a modest living at racing?

Thank you so much for your help.
Melanie

Answer
I'm not a racer so I really can't answer all your questions. I do know that most bike races gets its participants from all three methods (invitation, trials, racing record). I beleive Lance Armstrong has a book that might give you some insight on training techniques.

You might also check out this site: http://www.ambikerace.com/ Maybe contact them with your questions.

Hope this helps,
Scott<>