Cyclists demand advanced training, equipment

Though holy city has a velodrome at Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU), it requires a lot more to produce Olympic medallists and international players.

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Despite cycling being considered as a sport in India in 1938, the Centre and state governments have done little to promote the game among youth, rue newcomers. National and international cyclists demand advanced high intensity training, crypto ice bath, physiotherapists, international level equipment, spare parts and coaches who have global exposure.

International cyclist Amarjit Singh, who won a gold medal in the 2019 Track Asia Cup – Thailand, said during the previous Congress government, he had sought bicycle equipment for international competition but they refused to assist citing unavailability of funds.

With the help of his father, Bawa Singh, he procured equipment worth Rs 10 lakh from France. He swiftly added that the world championship requires mastering of world level infrastructure. Cycling equipment is very costly that is why not many pursue the game. As the region is known for prolonged stretches of sweltering weather, addition of an indoor velodrome would offer an edge to cyclists, said the 32-year-old cyclist. He said, “Velodrome available at GNDU was really helpful but a pro cyclist requires at least eight hours daily exercise to stay fit. In the current heatwave, cyclists face multiple health issues, including dehydration.

Cyclists make up by reaching the velodrome early in the morning and late evening. Yet it is difficult to escape the environmental impact. Cyclists said there’s a need for crypto ice bath at the velodrome. There’s also shortage of massagers and instead of interns, expert physiotherapists should be hired to take care of cyclists, they said. Cyclists said they require coaches who had actually competed in national and international championships.

They said Amritsar was not a cycle- friendly city and people need to change their mindset about cycling.