India Taps into French Cycling Expert Kevin Sireau to Boost Olympic Aspirations

Chennai: In an effort to catapult India into the double-digit mark at the Olympics, cycling is emerging as a high-priority discipline for the nation. With the recent Paris Olympics serving as a benchmark, the Country's Cycling Federation (CFI) has appointed French sprint coach Kevin Sireau, India's first foreign mentor in the sport.

Sireau, a two-time Olympic silver medalist aged 37, boasts an impressive track record and will bring his expertise to shape Indian cycling. The CFI selected him as the head coach for the speed events in January, marking a significant milestone. As he enters his one-year tenure, Sireau's initial objective is winning medals at the Asian Championships next year.

In discussing India's recent performance at the World Championships, Sireau acknowledged that while the country's riders showcased potential, technical issues hindered their progress. While acknowledging the gap between Indian athletes and established European powers, Sireau urged the team to focus on consistency and international exposure.

Highlighting the role of mental conditioning in high-stakes competitions, Sireau emphasized India's need for a dedicated coach specializing in mental fitness. The recent successes enjoyed by Japan at World Championships were attributed to their eight-year-long training regimen, illustrating the importance of investing in both physical and mental development.