Maharashtra cyclists pedal their way to glory

PUNE, APRIL 27: Facing high odds, which include criticism from certain sections of the press questioning their ability to produce winners,...

PUNE, APRIL 27: Facing high odds, which include criticism from certain sections of the press questioning their ability to produce winners, the Maharashtra Cycling Association (MCA) proved their detractors wrong with a commendable performance at the recently-concluded Nationals in Delhi.

The booty they brought home was sixteen medals — all won by junior and sub-junior cyclists, revealing that talent is abundant and a bright future remains in store. As 47-year-old coach Kamlakar Zende puts it, “The news about us (MCA) drawing a blank, was a challenge. We needed to prove ourselves and so we did.”

With the high-point being the gold medals of Sonali Patil (girls under-18), Pratima Lonare (girls U-16) in terms of individual heroics, the Maharashtra under-16 girls brought in the best result of the championship by bagging the team title. Maharashtra’s achievement ought to be to be noted as Manipur, who swept the championship with four of the six titles at stake, were pushed into second spot for what was the second time in the championship — the other being in the men’s section where Railways triumphed.

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The fruitful sojourn, which according to Pratap Jadhav, secretary MCA, is after almost 15 years — revived memories of 1986 when the State had a final medal count in double figures. The outcome is a team effort, rather than in the past when there used to be a mere handful picking up medals, this Pratap says referring to the Arthana sisters from Mumbai — Jasmine and Armin, with the the former winning an Asian Championship medal.

Surprisingly, the entire junior squad are products of the State government-run Krida Prabodhini based at the Shiv Chhatrapathi Sports Complex (Balewadi). About the recipe of success, Zende, who has been with these wards for the last three years says: “Year round training with state of the art facilities which include an international veledrome and the newly acquired cycles.”

47-year-old Zende, winner of the Shiv Chhatrapati Award in 1997-98, explains that the government was kind enough to sanction funds to the tune of Rs24 lakh for twenty German made Colnaco, six months back which basically was a blessing.

Apart from the cycles, Zende, who in his hey dey made a name in the famed Mumbai-Pune cycle race, informs: “This year we strictly made our selection on the basis of the sixth place finisher of the last Nationals and combined with a 30-day camp split in two sessions worked well.”

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Zende, who with the assistance of Sanjay Satpute, also a Shiv Chattrapati Awardee of 1994-95, put the team through the tough grind reveals that of the 19 juniors only three — Ganpat Desai (boys u-16; individual pursuit); Sushil Chalke (boys u-18; 1000m team trial) and Lahnu Jadhav (girls u-16; 100m TT) failed to win a medal with the boys finishing fourth and Lahnu seventh.

“Our medal tally could have been even more,” Zende proudly analyses and indicates the sudden drop out of Astad and Sheeraz Palkhiwala among the seniors after Miten Thakkar (men’s section), Mita Rajput and Rupali Repale, under `recommendations’ of the chief minister failed to put up worthy performances.

Asked about the future and Zende lights up. “Bright and promising,” that’s the way he puts it and has his sights trained at making an international cyclist something he dreams of.

How Rupali got the nod

Politics and sports never blend. Taking a strong stand of the inclusion of Rupali Repale in the team by strong pressure exercised by the Chief Minister, Pratap Jadhav, secretary Maharashtra Cycling Association (MCA) has warned next time a team would not be sent.

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Fuming at the issue, Pratap adds, “I just cannot understand politicians sitting in the office with no on-field knowledge and sending us directives to include someone who has not practiced during the year.” Pratap continues, “Look at our former Sports Director, he never made it a point to meet any one leave alone make it to any venue, but in this case he pressurised me through a mediator to include Rupali.

For the record, Rupali was one among the four seniors who failed to make the top eight in her event. (ENS)