Madura Waykar Interview — Junior Asian Track Cycling Championship Participant
5 min readMay 4, 2018
While most of us are just out of school at the age of 18 and are figuring out life, there are a few who have already achieved a mammoth of medals and accolades. One of them happens to be Mumbai’s most talented cyclist Madura Waykar. At the age of 19, this Rockstar has already represented India at the Junior Asian Track Cycling Championship.
If that wasn’t enough, Madhura is also the National Road Cycling Champion 2017 (Time Trial and Mass Start), National Road Cycling Champion 2016 and the list goes on. While these are some of her cycling achievements at the National level, there are a dozen others at the state and district level. We will save them for some other time ;)
To bring you more insights about her already massive cycling carrier we invited Madura Waykar to join us at the 5th Zero Emission Night Ride.
Quietly on her bicycle, she rode with us, speaking only when required and as much required. However, there was one thing that was constant, her smile. As we seated ourselves by the sea with the full moon shining bright, the stage was set for her interview.
VeloCrush: How did you get into cycling?
Madura Waykar: As a child, my parents always wanted me to be an athlete. So they ensured that I play as many sports as I can during my younger days. But as I grew up, I had to make a choice between cycling, swimming and other sports. That’s when I decided to go ahead with Cycling.
VeloCrush: What were the obstacles you faced when you got into cycling?
Madura Waykar: I’m very happy that I have both my parents supporting me when it comes to cycling. They are my biggest strength and have always made sure that I don’t have any obstacles.
VeloCrush: As a woman cyclist, how do people react when you go out to train?
Madura Waykar: When I go out to train, I only have one mindset; to do better than what I did yesterday. It doesn’t really matter to me as what people have to say or react as I’m focused on my goal.
VeloCrush: What is your diet like during the racing season?
Madura Waykar: Honestly, my diet is not about things that you shouldn’t eat. It’s about all the things that I should be eating to perform better and recover well. I consume more of protein and less of carbs. I also take vitamin and protein supplements to meet my requirements.
VeloCrush: Tell us something about your training?
Madura Waykar: Well, I train alone and my father comes with me to support. During off seasons, I work on endurance and during the season I do a lot of intervals.
VeloCrush: What bikes do you own and which is your favourite? Why?
I have 3 bikes! The one I use for the time trial is Trek speed concept 9.9, then my road bike is Pinarello Prince and track bike is Fuji Elite. There is no personal favourite bike as I love them all. I can’t compare them with each other. It’s like asking a parent who your favourite child is.
VeloCrush: Tell us something about your coach?
Madura Waykar: Honestly speaking, my coach has never seen me cycling. He lives in Pune and sends me the training plan which I ritually follow. He is the most respected and the best coach in India. His name is Kerman Framna! Under him, I’ve won the maximum number of national medals.
VeloCrush: What are your off seasons like?
Madura Waykar: I don’t believe in offseasons. I feel when you go on a break, it takes a very long time for you to get back when the racing season arrives. However, I make sure that I focus on my endurance during this period of the year, which makes it way easier for me to get back to my peak training just before the racing season.
VeloCrush: Would you suggest us some ways to recover from sprint training?
Madura Waykar: I feel we should not exert ourselves at all after a long training day. We should eat well and keep off your feet. Make sure you take care of your lower back too as is important when it comes to training. Also, get as much as sleep as possible.
VeloCrush: Would you like to share some expert tips for cyclists looking to achieve bigger goals?
Madura Waykar: I would want them to work very hard and stay focused on their goal.
VeloCrush: Any role model? Tell us a reason why?
Madura Waykar: No, none as of yet!
VeloCrush: What is your opinion on cycling in India? What are your goals for the future?
Madura Waykar: I believe in the next 10 years, the future of Indian cycling is very bright. India surely will surely make it to the Olympics and hopefully, I’ll be representing our country.
