French cycling great Kevin Sireau leading India’s push for medals at LA 2028 Olympics
Sireau, a silver medallist at the Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Olympics, has been the head coach of the Indian cycling team since January this year.
Two-time Olympic medallist Kevin Sireau of France, the head coach of the Indian cycling team, feels that the current crop of Indian cyclists have what it takes to clinch medals at the LA 2028 Olympics.
The 37-year-old Sireau, whom the Cycling Federation of India (CFI) appointed as the head coach in January, said the country has several talented cyclists who can succeed on the grand stage.
“In a big country like India I believe we have many future talents,” Sireau told SAI Media.
“I oversee the progress of riders like Ronaldo (Singh), Rojit (Singh) and David (Beckham). These guys have just started by winning the junior worlds. Now they are in the senior category and if they have to finish on the Olympic podium, a very high level has to be achieved but I am confident they have the skills and talent to finish on the podium,” Sireau said.
The Indian quartet of Esow Alben, Ronaldo Singh, Rojit Singh and Jemsh Singh won a historic men’s team sprint gold at the 2019 World Junior Track Cycling Championship in Frankfurt.
At the Asian Track Cycling Championships 2022, India won nine medals - one silver and eight bronze - for their best-ever finish at the continental meet. Ronaldo Singh came second in the men’s sprint to become the first Indian to win an individual silver medal at the Asian meet.
The senior Indian cyclists ended the Asian Track Cycling Championships 2024 in New Delhi without a medal. However, Sireau said he was confident of good showings in the upcoming events and the roadmap for the LA 2028 Olympics was already in place.
“This year our target is the world championships in October. We are driving all energies in that direction. I have discussed the roadmap for LA 2028 with CFI and doing things step by step. In the next three to four years you will see a big difference, I promise,” Sireau added.
Sireau was also impressed by the performance of the junior cyclists, who clinched one gold, two silver and three bronze medals at the Asian championships in February.
“We also have some good juniors like Sarita Kumari and Wattaba Meitei, who are Indian cycling’s future stars,” the coach added. Sarita Kumari was part of the Indian junior women’s team sprint that won the gold medal at the continental meet.
Rojit Singh, a member of the gold medal-winning sprint team at the 2019 World Junior Track Cycling Championship, also confirmed that Kevin Sireau has been a great addition.
“There has been a lot of difference since Kevin sir joined the team,” Rojit said. “He has changed how we train, what we eat and how we plan recovery. He has brought a new discipline and I am very happy to be able to learn from him.”