wrong, some of the most intelligent people i know smoke.
And by your logic, if a smoker was to be a better rider than you, then not only have they been practising, but they have also been at a disadvantage so if anything it is even more impressive (Rich Pearson for example).
I personally started smoking a few years ago, it hasn't held me back so far, if anything it is useful to have a 5 minute break once an hour to refresh myself or to think. Im glad the smoking ban makes people smoke outside, some of my best thinking is done whilst out for a fag. It is important to note that i have been smoking rolling tobacco for the last 5 years, with a filter so I guess my habit isn't as bad as people on a box of 20 a day. Significantly cheaper too.
As for the other people that say smoking is severely anti-social, it is only anti-social to intolerant people and to be honest, i couldn't give a shit what they think. If anything, higher level management tend to smoke this gives you the oppurtunity to truely take advantage of their free time and actually get to know them abit outside of the professional work setting. Some of my best friends I have made through smoking and i will always be grateful of our friendships.
I do think it is clearlly bad for you, but even quitting has benefits in the work place. did you know an ex smoker is more likely to go further in industry than someone who has never smoked? It shows that you can rectify mistakes and really sort shit out therefore more likely to be put forward for promotions. I intend to quit as soon as i finish uni. couldn't imagine trying to quit now, would be very irritable. better to just smoke for now and deal with it when quitting is more likely to be successful. To quit successfully you have to want to quit. I justt haven't reached that point yet.