Nelo Breda began racing bicycles in 1969 as an amateur/ beginner. Rising through the cycling ranks, Nelo established himself as one of the top racing cyclist to come out of Brazil. In 1973 and again in 1975 he represented Brazil, his native country, in the World Championships. Afterward Nelo was hired as coach for the Brazilian National Cycling Federation and took teams to many international races, including the 1979 Jr. World Championships in Argentina, the 1980 Olympics in Moscow, the 1982 Giro d'Italia, the Pan American Games in 1983 and 1987, and the 1986 World Championships in Colorado Springs. Nelo has received coaching degrees from the Comite International Olympique and the Federation International Amateur Cyclisme (F.I.A.C.), and Nelo is certified U.C.l. (Union Cycliste international)/ F.I.CA. National Coinmissaire.