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India’s cycling aspirations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics rest heavily on the expertise of French coach Kevin Sireau and a promising group of young cyclists who have already made their mark on the Asian and world junior circuits.

Sireau, a two-time Olympic medalist, joined the Cycling Federation of India (CFI) in January and has quickly recognized the potential of India’s cycling ecosystem. Under his guidance, the Indian quartet of Esow Alben, L Ronaldo Singh, Y Rojit Singh, and Jemsh Singh, who won a historic gold medal at the 2019 World Junior Track Cycling Championship, are now aiming for the Olympic podium.

Ronaldo also became the first Indian to win an individual silver medal in the men’s sprint race at the 2022 Asian Track Cycling Championship. India’s strong performance at the Asian meet, where they won nine gold medals, further boosted their confidence.

Sireau believes that India has the talent to succeed at the highest level. “In a big country like India, I believe we have many future talents,” he said. “These guys have just started by winning the junior worlds. Now they are in the senior category and if they have to finish on the Olympic podium, a very high level has to be achieved.”

The Indian team has shown signs of improvement under Sireau’s guidance, clocking a personal best of 44.451 seconds in the Asian Track Cycling Championship sprint race. While they are still behind the Olympic record of 41.369 seconds, they are not far from Australia’s fourth-best time of 44.013 seconds.

“This year our target is the world championships in October,” said Sireau. “We are driving all energies in that direction. I have discussed the roadmap for LA 2028 with CFI and doing things step by step. In the next three-four years you will see a big difference, I promise.”

Asian Cycling Confederation secretary general Onkar Singh is confident in Sireau’s abilities. “From 149th rank to Category 1 in juniors in four years’ time, speaks for itself,” he said. “We are lucky to have a person like Kevin.”

Cyclist Rojit, who is supported by the government’s Target Olympic Podium Scheme, praised Sireau’s impact. “There has been a lot of difference since Kevin sir joined the team,” he said. “He has changed how we train, what we eat and how we plan recovery. He has brought a new discipline and I am very happy for being able to learn from him.”

With Sireau’s guidance and the determination of its young cyclists, India’s cycling program is poised for success in the years leading up to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.