First bike race and couldn't breathe

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I have asthma but it is really only set off by cats and some dogs. I don't have any problems when I am working out.

You haven't had any problems in the past while exercising/racing, but asthma is sneaky. If you have it from one factor then the likelihood of it presenting itself at other times is definitely there.

I would say what you and your friend have experienced is likely EIA. In the past I only had issues during races and extended speed workouts, like tempo runs. Eventually I started having issues all the time, so I am now on a twice daily inhaled steroid medication and albuterol inhaler as needed. You may want to talk to your doctor about using an inhaler before workouts, preventatively.

Don't mess with asthma. It's a potential killer and can be pretty unpredictable.