By Rohit Mitra
Patiala, Jan 17 (.) One of India’s most prominent cyclists, Surya Ramesh Thathu, believes that hosting more international-level cycling events, like the Bajaj Pune Grand Tour, can significantly boost the popularity of the sport in the country.
Currently preparing for the upcoming Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026 in Patiala, Surya stressed the need for India to host two to three high-quality races of a similar standard every year to help cycling gain wider acceptance.
Speaking to ., Surya, the Best Cyclist of the Year 2024, as adjudged by the Cycling Federation of India, said that while cycling is gradually being accepted in India, consistent exposure through top-tier tournaments is essential.
“Cycling is getting accepted in India. What is required is the country hosting high-quality tournaments every year. If two or three big races like Pune GT take place annually, cycling could become something like cricket in India,” he said.
The Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026 is India’s first-ever UCI 2.2 category multi-stage, five-day Continental cycling race for men.
Indian contingent at the race comprises two teams of 6 riders each- the Indian National Team and the Indian Development Team. Surya is part of the Indian National Team.
The 27-year-old cyclist acknowledged that competing on home ground brings its own pressures but said it also offers advantages. “As hosts, there is bound to be pressure, but it is also an advantage. You know the route and the climate suits you. There will be expectations, and if you don’t perform, there will be criticism as well,” he remarked.
The Shiv Chhatrapati Awardee reflected on his journey, stating that while he initially trained by himself, his performance improved significantly after he began training under coach Amit Jangra.
“I started as a skater and later switched to cycling. Initially, I trained on my own, learning from people around me and by observing others. I focused a lot on endurance rides and sprint work, without following a structured programme. I won medals with my own training, but to compete internationally, a proper training structure is essential,” he said.
He added that in 2023, he realised the need for professional guidance. “I felt it was high time to get a coach who could give me a structured programme and work on my weak points, rather than just doing endurance rides. Since then, a lot has changed. I have made a big shift from being a sprinter to becoming a good climber and time trialist.”
Explaining the evolution in his racing style, Surya said, “Earlier, I was just a sprinter. As a sprinter, you rely on explosiveness, but when you move to time trialling, you develop a strong overall threshold that you can hold for an hour or more.”
He also highlighted that while Maharashtra has several talented cyclists, they lack adequate international exposure.
“There are many very good cyclists in Maharashtra, but what they need is more exposure. My teammates and I have been racing abroad. There are many other racers who are equally talented. They need exposure to learn racing tactics, which only comes from competing internationally,” he said.
Surya added that he is focused on maximising his international racing experience. “Along with a few rider friends, we are planning to race in Belgium for international exposure and are also planning a Dubai tour, possibly next month. We will try to participate in the Gran Fondo Championships,” he said.
He also pointed out that India has been performing well in track cycling, though it often goes unnoticed. “Between track and road racing, I personally love road racing. Indian riders have done very well in track cycling. We were world champions in the under-18 category at the 2018 World Championships and have won several Asian Championship medals. We have been winning medals consistently,” he noted.
Surya concluded by advising aspiring cyclists to remain resilient in the face of setbacks. “Work towards your dreams and don’t give up easily. There will be times when you feel low and don’t get results despite working hard. That is when you need to push yourself even more, stay focused on your training, and trust the process. It will work someday,” he signed off.
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