Any Bermudian hoping for a career as a professional motorcycle racer would be well advised to listen to the advice of Antoine Richards who competes on the AMA Pro circuit racing a 600 cc Suzuki GSX-R.

"It is a lot of hard work, on and off the bike," said Richards who had his first professional outing at the Mecca of racing – the Daytona International Speedway – in March this year.

A rider for the Celtic Racing Team, the 23-year-old Bermudian also signed a management contract earlier this year with Kreig Robinson who acts as the director of business for the Michael Jordan Motor Racing Team. Robinson is Richards' agent and has brought in veteran riding coach Jason Pridmore to help out the Bermudian rider.

A legend in the sport, Pridmore had previously ridden for the Jordan team, and was the 1997 AMA 750 Supersport Champion, 2002 AMA Formula Extreme Champion and the 2003 FIM World Endurance Champion.

And Richards received a baptism by fire at Daytona in March when he crashed – something riders simply have to get used to. "Crashing is part of racing, it is part of the sport although it is not something you look forward to," he said.

"But you see the top pros crashing during practice and sometimes during the qualifying sessions, they are pushing it to the limit. But the good racers are the guys who don't crash in actual races."

Two years ago up and coming Bermuda rider Toriano Wilson died in a freak crash at the Virginia International Raceway, he was just 14 years old.

"Unfortunately you just have to accept that you will crash at some point in your career," said Richards, who is looking forward to competing in his second professional year in 2011.

"I definitely learned a lot about what it takes to be a professional this year," he said. "It takes a lot of commitment. You do not just get up (out of bed) and go and race.

"There is a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes. Training is a professional racer's life.

"I try and train almost every day and I know that my competitors train every day. I have been learning what the other guys do away from the track. I try and figure out what they are doing away from the track and how they live their lifestyle of a professional racer.

"A lot of it is to keep in the best shape that you can. Obviously there is definitely the aspect of being on the bike, that is key and most important thing. But a close second comes your fitness. I go to the gym, use a pedal bike which is a popular method for professional riders."

And some of the top riders in the world are fit enough to go out and take on a triathlon, said Richards. "It is not so much training for them, it is how they live their lives.

"For instance they will go out for a 50 mile (pedal) bike ride with some friends and the next day go with other friends and do some motocross training. There is a lot of cross-training in getting ready for a professional race.

"These guys at the top are true athletes. When you race it is usually very hot especially with the (protective) suit and everything on. At my last race the temperature was up in the 90s and on the track can get over 100 degrees. Then you have your suit on. Your mental focus has to be 100 percent.

"A race may last for 30 or 40 minutes and any lapse in concentration will cost you, either in spots lost or in a crash, there is such a small margin or error on the track."

Richards would love to spend more time in the United States training between races but he must return to Bermuda to work. "I am always looking for more sponsorship. If I could spend more time away training then I would be able to up my game."

But when he is back in Bermuda and goes down to Southside where the Bermuda Motorcycle Association race, he often talks to young racers about what it is like to be a professional.

"I have had some young Bermudians ask me about racing," he said. "When I go down to Southside they all ask what it is like and they want to get out there themselves so I try and give them some advice. It is really encouraging to me to see these kids. I really want to keep this going and have these younger kids come up and take the torch from me when I am done."

And he is always telling the young racers that they have to be dedicated and try and do as much cross training as possible. "There are a lot of kids out there who are interested in it, and a lot of them not only do the road racing but also dirt racing and that is excellent for them as they can learn the skills they will need.

"It is not just about being fast on the road, it is about being fast period. These top guys in the US can ride anything."

And for those who prefer to be behind the scenes there are many prospects. But again, it takes a huge amount of commitment.

"The teams impress me as much, if not more, than some of the riders," said Richards. "The work involved is amazing. My team is a small team but my crew work incredibly hard.

"I came from the grassroots level where I would change my own tyres between races. Now I come off the track and before I have even come to a complete stop, they take the bike from me and I can walk over to the TV screens and see my lap times and everything.

"If I have a crash these guys get to work like ants. I have had times when I have crashed and got on the track again in the next hour. These guys get it done and it is a completely trusting relationship. It has to be. I have to trust that they have done everything to the bike, they have so much dedication!

"There are a lot of guys who like to work on bikes in Bermuda and this is something they can get into. When I was younger I used to work in a car garage and I loved it but at the same time it is nothing like working for a racing team.

"The workload on a racing team is incredible. My team, on any given race weekend, starts 6.30 a.m. and typically don't get back to their hotel until after midnight. And on a bad day they can be there all night to make sure that the bike is back in top condition for the next day's racing. In fact these guys are probably in the hot sun more than the riders who get to go back to the RV in the air conditioning."

Mr. Richards came into motorcycle racing at a late age compared to many of his peers. He has only been racing for four years.

"I was 19 years old when I had my first race and that is rather old to start," said Richards.

"When I go to the US and I tell them that I only started racing a few years ago they are amazed. Most riders start with motocross when they are five years old. I have been told that I have a natural talent for racing."