Are you passionate about cycling and dreaming of turning your love for the sport into a fulfilling career? But, due to a lack of knowledge and information, you may be unsure about how to become a professional cyclist in India. Cycling was not widely popular in India, and the lack of information and awareness about pursuing it as a career was a barrier. But in recent years, cycling in India has been steadily gaining popularity, and now people have become more passionate about cycling and want to choose it professionally.
In this blog, we will explore key steps and considerations to help you navigate the path towards becoming a professional cyclist in India.
Define Your Goals and Specialization:
Start by outlining your goals and objectives in regards to the field of riding. Decide what discipline or area, such as road cycling, track cycling, mountain biking, BMX, etc., you want to focus on. Knowing your favorite discipline will enable you to customize your training and focus on the skills that are required.
Find a Mentor or Join a Cycling Team:
Finding a mentor or joining a cycling team may greatly speed up your progress and offer invaluable advice. Find seasoned bikers or instructors who can serve as mentors and guides while you learn every aspect of the sport. Joining a cycling team not only fosters a sense of camaraderie but also exposes you to structured training programs and competitive environments.
Invest in Proper Equipment:
Purchasing high-quality cycling gear is essential for your performance and safety. Start with a bicycle that is dependable and appropriate for your chosen discipline. To make sure you select the proper frame size and components, get advice from professionals at nearby bike stores. Additionally, spend money on the proper safety equipment, such as gloves, bicycle shoes, and clothing.
Prepare your mind and body:
Consistent training is the key to success in any sport. Prepare your mind and body for intensive cycling and training. Cycling in professional races requires a strong body, strength, and stamina. Develop a training plan that focuses on building your endurance, strength, speed, and technique. Practice for hours every day, and consider working with a professional cycling coach who can design a personalized training program tailored to your goals and abilities.
Active involvement in the cycling community:
Join a few riding communities where you can take part in cycling events and learn more about cycling rules and regulations. It will also help you discover where and when the future event will take place, as well as when and how you could participate in the upcoming cycling event.
Also, it is quite beneficial to start cycling with experienced cyclists; you will learn lots of new things from them and get inspired to learn more about cycling. Make sure you make some cycling friends and ride with them who are more experienced than you.
Practice is the key to success:
As we all know, “practice makes a man perfect.” So follow this principle while cycling. Practice is the real key to success, so keep practicing key skills without counting. Also, try to develop your own tricks and techniques, which will make you stand out from the crowd.
Here’s an example from real life: Deborah Herold, from India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is one inspiring example. Deborah became the first Indian rider to win numerous medals in the UCI Track Cycling World Cup despite insufficient resources and facilities. Her unwavering drive, strict training, and consistent performance propelled her to the top of India’s professional cycling ranks.
Participate in various local cycling contests:
There are various free riding events that take place on a daily or weekly basis, depending on which is best for you. You can participate in these cycling competitions before entering a professional race. When you compete in local bicycle competitions in your city or state, you improve, gain confidence, and establish a better reputation.
Online, there are lots of websites that inform you about upcoming cycling events. and you can also easily register yourself there for the event.
Enter a bigger contest as you become better and faster:
After lots of practice and getting better and faster at cycling, participate in professional cycling events and give your best.
Participate in National and International Competitions:
To gain recognition as a professional cyclist, aim to participate in national and international competitions. Representing India in cycling events will not only enhance your skills but also provide exposure and potentially attract the attention of professional teams and scouts. Regularly check for upcoming events and register in advance to secure your participation.
CFI organizes the following national championships every year:
- National Road Cycling Championship
- National Track Cycling Championship
- National Mountain Bike Championship
Apart from that, the Cycling Federation of India (CFI) also conducts national coaching camps for elite and junior men and women who are selected on the basis of their performance in the national championships and as and when required for professional cyclist in India.
Also check out The Cycling Federation of India launched its new logo
