Identifying Future Cycling Stars: Insights from Maxwell Trevor

Talent Identification in Cycling

Patna (Bihar) - On May 15, Maxwell Trevor, a member of the Sports Authority of India's Talent Identification and Development Committee (TIDC) for Cycling, shared valuable insights into how talent scouts evaluate athletes. He emphasized that they pay attention to various factors, including an athlete's warm-up routine and overall demeanor, in addition to their performance during competitions.

Maxwell Trevor, an 11-time national track cycling champion and a fourth-place finisher at the 1986 Asian Games, is highly regarded in the cycling coaching community. He elaborated on the TIDC's focus on young athletes, particularly those aged 14 to 16, during the upcoming Khelo India Youth Games 2025 in Bihar. “We observe their pedaling techniques, warm-up practices, and discipline,” he noted. “Some athletes demonstrate remarkable discipline and know exactly when to start warming up,” he added.

Trevor explained that the committee seeks to identify younger athletes who can be nurtured through long-term training programs. They also assess the quality of equipment, such as frames and wheels, as these elements significantly impact performance. Additionally, they evaluate athletes for their explosive power.

“We conduct sport-specific tests using bicycles equipped with computers that track data such as cadence, pedal revolutions per minute, heart rate, and power output in Watts over various time intervals,” he stated. “These assessments provide a comprehensive understanding of an athlete's potential.”

Moreover, Trevor highlighted the importance of mental strength in young cyclists. “I've encountered many talented athletes who struggled with self-belief, which is a crucial aspect we consider,” he remarked.

Discussing regions in India known for producing exceptional cyclists, he pointed out Rajasthan for endurance, and Manipur and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands for sprinting talent. He noted that athletes from these areas often possess natural talent and the ideal lower body structure for cycling.

Trevor expressed gratitude for his coach, Mumtaz Ahmed, and acknowledged the Cycling Federation of India's increased focus on grassroots coaching. “The Federation is making strides in this area,” he affirmed.

“The UCI Level 1 coaching course is now accessible in India, aiming to increase the number of grassroots coaches who can serve as a foundation for main training centers. I believe we are on the right path, and positive changes are on the horizon,” he concluded.