On International World Bicycle Day, the velodrome at Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) in Amritsar has become a major attraction for cyclists. The facility is being utilized by athletes during the current off-season to enhance their training and performance.
Training Regimen and Equipment
Cyclists cover approximately 2,500 kilometers on the road each month to build endurance, but their focus shifts based on competition requirements. For example, for a 20-kilometer race, they practice the exact distance daily. The university boasts 40 imported cycles, and around 50 players across various age groups are currently honing their skills in this expensive sport.
A beginner's cycle costs around Rs 2.5 lakh, while competition-grade bicycles can go up to Rs 8 lakh. The best cycles are imported from Europe, while Taiwan leads manufacturing in Asia.
Coaching and Achievements
Rajesh Kaushik, a university coach with 17 years of experience, has been mentoring athletes. Over six months ago, nursery coach Bhupinder Kumar from the Punjab Sports department joined him to train young cyclists. The training regimen includes three hours on the road in the morning, along with running, gym work, and strength exercises.
The first All India Inter-University Championship was held at this velodrome in 2010. Kaushik represented India as a coach at the 2014 Commonwealth Games and the 2012 Asian Championship. He is a former national gold medalist in juniors and a silver medalist in the All-India Inter-University Championship. Many of his trainees now work in various government departments.
University Commitment
Dr. Kanwar Mandeep Singh, Director of the Sports Department at GNDU, emphasized that the velodrome's primary goal is to provide world-class training facilities. He reaffirmed the university's commitment to maintaining the infrastructure for the benefit of athletes.
