They call Northface Yak Attack one of the toughest endurance races in the world but Ajay Pandit Chettri makes the 400-kilometer bike race at the dizzying heights of 5416 meters above sea level look relatively easy. On November 16, 2015, he lifted the Northface Yak Attack champion’s trophy for the fifth time in a row. Back in his hometown Kathmandu, Chettri at the moment is rightly resting and recovering from the race. But he took some time out to speak to Priyanka Gurung about his recent achievement and Nepal’s cycling fraternity.
Going to this year’s race, you were not only the defending champion but you had previously secured the title four times in a row. Were you determined to repeat the feat again?
Making a great first impression at an interview
I aimed for a podium finish and that was it. I was not expecting to win the first place trophy. We had high caliber international riders participating plus on the first stage itself, I had an accident. It was a 10-15 km downhill route on our way to Nuwakot from Shivapuri and I crashed, hurting myself quite a bit. This gave Yoki, last year’s runner up from Japan, a 12-minute advantage over me. So at the beginning of the race, repeating the feat was the last thing on my mind.
What do you think gave you the advantage to overcome the challenges and become Northface Yak Attack 2015’s champion then?
I believe my experience was vital. This was my ninth time racing, so being familiar with the trails, knowing exactly where to change the speed, hit the brakes and so on was a bonus. As always I had toiled during the preparations. Prior to the event, I had dedicated three whole months to the training. Racing in your home country also gives you an advantage. It is easier for you to acclimatize to the environment.
Though this year luck played a part too. I still remember the day after the crash my body was very sore. I wondered if I could even complete stage two. The initial 20-25 km from Nuwakot to Gorkha was incredibly painful and I was lagging behind. But then, I don’t know how, thankfully my body eventually became accustomed to the peddling and I was able to catch up.
So how does it feel to be the winner of such a race?
It’s a big boost. It gives me confidence for the future. It makes me feel like all the hard work and sacrifices I have made were worth it. Though at the same time, personally speaking, it feels a little less impressive than other people’s achievements. There is still more to be done. Nevertheless, it’s very humbling to have people come up and congratulate me on the win.
You are one of the few Nepali cyclists to reach this level. Apart from hard work, how did you navigate yourself to this kind of success?
Initially, I got some good advice from senior cyclists. I have always been open to other people’s suggestions. I filter the good ones from the bad later but I think it’s important to keep your ears and mind open and listen. Apart from that, there were the events and races especially the Yak Attack. It’s a big platform for cyclists to showcase their talent. It was there that I got sponsored to train in Europe where I got to hone my skills.
Many Nepalis still aren’t aware about this popular cycling circuit. How to do you feel about that?
Cycling is still in its infancy here in our country. But compared to let’s say three years ago, its popularity has increased. I’m confident that as time passes more people will be aware about the events and people involved in the sport.
Perhaps, it’s also the misconception that cycling doesn’t involve much skill that is making Nepalis less interested in it. I have heard some people dismiss our sport by stating that anybody and everybody can peddle but they couldn’t be further from the truth. I think with exposure people will learn just how technical and skill based cycling actually is. There is a reason why we are constantly practicing.
Further, some effort from the sport officials to promote cycling wouldn’t hurt. I can guarantee that if mountain biking were an event, Nepal would win. Other countries like India try and include sport events that their players excel at in International tournaments, but for some reason Nepal’s representatives don’t seem to care.
What about financial security? Making a living through cycling seems like a crazy idea for many Nepalis.
The thing is, cycling opens many opportunities. Our country is naturally suited for the sport. The tourists who come here call it a haven for mountain biking. Of all the sports, I believe, cycling offers more options for the future. It can be easily and effectively integrated into tourism as well. Personally, I plan to open a professional mountain biking training center for youths as well as enthusiasts. I have been taking coaching courses in the UK as well. I will be certified soon.
That’s another thing. Cycling is huge in the international circuit. If you are dedicated enough and you work on your skills, there are many events abroad that you can participate in. I have been doing so every year since 2010. For those willing to work hard, there are many opportunities in this sport.
