cunego59 wrote:
Well that's a broad question if I've ever seen one

So the first thing I would recommend is to download a custom database. Those include correct names and jerseys for all teams down to the continental level (some teams don't have those in the original game db), more accurate stats, more races etc. Obviously, I would recommend the PCMDaily DB, which you can find in the Latest Downloads section in the right sidebar

Next, I would just start a few races to get used to the interface, the controls and the general process and feel of the game. Try different types of stages, classics, stage races, whatever entices you.

Now, there are two main game modes: Pro Cyclist and Career. Pro Cyclist is the much more beginner friendly mode. Because you control the career of one rider only, lots of the more complicated team management stuff of the career mode don't need to be done. But you still get a first impression of how building a fitness plan and your race calendar works, what kind of races there are, what rankings etc. Be aware that this "simplicity" also means that you start at the continental level and until you reach leader status within your team, you can only control one rider - which of course can also be a cool challenge.

The career mode is, as I mentioned, more complex because you have the possibility to fine tune your entire team. That includes building the complete calendar of races for the team, as well as objectives and fitness schedules for each individual rider and much more. You can click through all the menus to get an overview.

But note that I say "possibility". The menus and options may at first seem overwhelming, but none of them are technically necessary. You could just start the season with the preselected races and see what riders are in good shape at which point in the season. The more you micromanage, the more likely it is to have your desired riders in the best possible shape for the races you want them to be good in, of course. But you can chose how much you time and energy you want to invest, or if you try to learn everything at once or ease into it.


There is a lot of useful information all over this forum on various specific topics. You can use the forum search in the left sidebar, but if you don't find what you're looking for, you can obviously also ask yourself, either here or in a new thread. I'd suggest you just jump right into the game and see what interests you most and come back again once you have more impressions. Have fun and welcome to pcmdaily