Thu Sep 12 05:50:47 UTC 2024: ## India Eyes BMX Development for Olympic Success in Cycling

**Chennai, India** – Despite recent successes in track cycling, India is facing a challenge to qualify for the Olympics in this discipline. According to Jacques Landry, Director of the Union Cycliste Internationale World Cycling Centre (UCI WCC), the country should focus on developing BMX racing and freestyle to gain a foothold in cycling on the international stage.

Landry, a former Olympian himself, believes that non-traditional cycling countries like India should start with disciplines that require less investment and infrastructure compared to track and road racing, which have a long history. BMX, with its reliance on physical and technical attributes, offers a faster route to competitiveness, while endurance-based disciplines require more time and investment.

The UCI has already proposed this development strategy to the Cycling Federation of India (CFI) and has pledged support, including sending experts to help build international-standard BMX tracks. The CFI is actively pursuing the development of BMX tracks in various locations across India, including Chennai, Kolkata, and Uttarakhand.

While India has achieved notable success in the sprint discipline, Landry emphasizes the importance of diversifying talent identification and development. He advocates for expanding beyond sprint to include BMX, recognizing that sprint may not be a viable option for younger athletes due to the limited depth in the junior ranks.

Landry also stressed the need for a more robust racing calendar within India to prepare athletes for international competition. He believes that participation in international circuits is essential to achieving competitive success at the Olympics.

India’s quest for Olympic success in cycling hinges on a well-planned strategy that encompasses both talent development and competitive exposure. With a focus on BMX and a commitment to building robust infrastructure and a strong racing calendar, India has the potential to make significant strides in cycling on the global stage.

Read More