Indian Cyclists clueless about their event

NEW DELHI - The cycling event of the Commonwealth Games is only four days away and yet the Indian riders are unaware in which category they will compete.

The cyclists said they are practising for more than one event since the coaching staff have not informed them about the event in which they will compete in the Oct 3-14 Games.

Sandeep Kumar said he has been training for two events — 40 km time trial and mass start — and it is difficult to focus on the two simultaneously.

“The cycles are different for the two events and you are training on one cycle in the morning and on the other in the evening. The adjustment is not easy. But I am hopeful of a good showing in the Games, Kumar told IANS.

Another cyclist Bikram Singh said he knows the event in which he will compete, though he has no official intimation.

“I am taking part in the one km time trial race. I have trained hard for the event. I know about my event but others don’t. They said they will let us know in a day or two,” said Singh, a rare medal winner for India in the sport. He was a bronze medallist at the 2010 Asian Cup in Japan.

Head coach Chayan Chowdhury, however, said the riders have been training hard for the mega event and they are aware in which event they will be racing.

“The riders know about their categories. It will be made official in a day or two, Chowdhury said.

The trimmed 24-member cycling squad arrived in the Games Village Tuesday only a couple of weeks after getting their hands on imported bikes that came after a year’s wait.

And that is not all. The team is yet to get their competition kit, promised by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) when they arrived at the Village. The kit comprises basic gear used in cycling like the one piece suit, helmet and shoes.

“The coach told us till the time they do not get the new kit, they can use their own equipment. My argument is that thousands of crores have been spent on the Games and our boys can’t get even the most basic equipment, said a Cycling Federation of India (CFI) official.

The cycling event, featuring 14 track and two road events, will take place at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex and Noida Expressway from Oct 5-13.