Pune Grand Tour Prepares for Epic Climb Challenge
Professional cyclists are noticing the small details as they gather in Pune. They feel the surprising afternoon heat of a January that feels more like summer. They appreciate the smooth grey asphalt under their wheels. But everyone knows the real test awaits on the road from Kondhanpur to Khadakwasla lake.
The King of Climbs Awaits
As the international cycling caravan moves into race days, all conversation centers on Day 2. Pune will demand every ounce of breath from these athletes. "After riding hard through the entire day, there's a climb just 15 kilometers from the finish," explains Netherlands team director Maint Berkenbosch. He adds a mock wince and whistle for emphasis. "It has a 10 percent steep upward incline. That's whoa."
This wickedly designed gradient presents a serious challenge for all riders. In true Marathi tradition, the winner of that day's stage will receive an unofficial but prestigious title. They will be crowned "Ghaatancha Raja" – the King of Climbs.
International Riders Seek Indian Sunshine
French cyclist Pierre Chartier speaks poetically about the attraction of India at this time. Europeans are escaping what he calls a "rude, harsh winter." They are seeking warm sunshine as they begin their Road Cycling season. January and February typically serve as pre-season training months for top riders.
Chartier grew up watching Tour de France pelotons rush past his window in Pau, South France. For him, India sounded like a perfect getaway from frigid temperatures back home.
Wisdom from a Tour de France Veteran
Perhaps the most experienced voice at the Pune race belongs to Belgian Timothy Dupont. The 38-year-old raced at the Tour de France in 2018. He offers sagacious advice for rookies, including the Indian debutants.
"In long sprints, many riders push the pace too early," Dupont observes. "They get explosive and tired from staying in front of the pack all day. After years of racing, I've learned you need to stay calm toward the end. It's okay to stay back and then push later."
India's Cycling Talent Mix
India presents a good mix of talent for what senior rider Naveen John calls "chess on wheels." John, a serial national champion, started cycling at an American college in the Midwest. He rode a steel-framed Raleigh, one of the oldest cycle brands, happily distracted from his engineering studies.
The now-40-year-old is finally racing at home after years with professional teams in Belgium. He has logged an impressive 22,000 miles a year on his bike. "That's more than most people drive in their cars," he laughs.
John acknowledges the gap between Indian and European cycling. "We Indians are at least 10 years behind in hydration, technology, gear, and supplements. But we've come a long way from when coaches would follow us on motorcycles blowing whistles and screaming instructions."
He continues, "Now coaches get our data numbers while sitting in England. With our Kazakh coach, we have trained hard. You won't see a scenario where no Indian finishes! But remember, Europe has a 150-year head start in this sport over us." He explains the challenge of maneuvering a 2mm rubber tube on road at 60 kph.
Pune: Spiritual Home of Indian Cycling
Pune serves as the spiritual home of Indian cycling. The legendary Bombay-Poona race dates back 50 years. Carrying this legacy forward is Punekar Kashmiri Surya Thathu. Like Harshveer Singh, he moved from skating to road cycling.
Harshveer was the best Indian finisher in Monday's prologue, similar to Formula 1's pole position. He placed third best in Asia. Naveen and Harshveer represent India's GCs – general classification all-rounders. They excel at climbing and endurance.
Prodigious Punjab-Railways talent Vishwajeet also shows great promise. He holds several national records. Surya straddles both sprints and climbs, while Sahil specializes in sprints. Dinesh aces long endurance events.
Stories of Dedication
The air-force rider's story stands out. His grandfather, an infrastructure engineer and NIT passout, almost foresaw this day. He bought his grandson a BSA Mac bicycle, expensive at Rs 5000 back then. This rider is considered the hardest worker of them all.
He would often sneak out for late-night training sessions. Coaches finally discovered him putting in extra gym work at 3 a.m. to improve his stamina.
Vishwajeet's journey is equally remarkable. He was an average rider until 2020, despite hailing from a cycling family. The Covid pandemic changed everything. "Roads were empty, with zero traffic," he recalls. "I had nothing to do. I improved dramatically because I would go out training for 5-6 hours with my dad following on a motorcycle." National records soon followed.
The fourth-generation cyclist from Patiala remembers his first proper bike with fondness. He received a charming Italian-made Viner that cost a princely Rs 2000. "It was a thin-pipe bike, but I loved it," he says. "Now our bikes cost Rs 20 lakh." He laughs at the contrast.
Tactical Battles Ahead
Cycling becomes intensely tactical and aggressive, not unlike college rivalries from movies. India's Kazakh chief coach, Maxat Ayazabayev, promises surprises every day. "The cycling part of a rider's life is not funny," he deadpans. "Once the race starts, everyone attacks. With 20 km to go on the last uphill, there will be multiple point attacks. We will expect it and react."
He adds seriously that Indians will look to improve their best prior finishes.
The Psychology of Suffering
Naveen John summarizes the sport's essence perfectly. "Cycling heritage and psyche are about who's willing to suffer the most," he says. "It's like having your head in a bucket of water at all times. But 170 others are suffering too." He laughs. They suffer willingly.
The Pune Grand Tour promises thrilling competition. The Kondhanpur-Khadakwasla climb will separate contenders from pretenders. One rider will earn the title Ghaatancha Raja. All eyes turn to Pune's roads as India's cycling future unfolds.
