French Cycling Legend Kevin Sireau Guides India to Asian Track Medals
Kevin Sireau, a two-time Olympic silver medalist, has embarked on a new journey as India’s first foreign cycling coach. Despite initially pursuing football and judo, Sireau’s passion for cycling ignited when he discovered track cycling at the age of 12.
In his maiden assignment with the Cycling Federation of India (CFI), Sireau guided India to six medals at the Asian Track Cycling Championships. He attributes his success to the robust cycling infrastructure in France, where talent identification and competition begin at an early age.
Sireau believes that India has immense cycling potential and is working to overhaul the training system. He plans to decentralize training centers and identify each rider’s core discipline. This approach aims to create a smaller, elite group of cyclists who can focus on specific events.
Sireau emphasizes the importance of mentality in cycling. He looks for riders who exhibit confidence and determination on the track. He believes that a strong build is beneficial but that a fearless mindset is crucial for success.
The CFI is taking cues from the French model and is planning to implement a similar systemic approach. They aim to identify and nurture young talent, providing them with the necessary support and training to excel at the international level.
Sireau’s expertise and experience will be invaluable in shaping India’s cycling future. His focus on talent identification, performance-oriented training, and mental toughness will help India produce world-class cyclists.
