#254 Broken Bike, Hallucinations & No Sleep: Surviving the 3600km Race Around Poland - John Gwite

EP258 From Roller Skating National Champion to Becoming Cycling Champion-The Harshveer Sekhon Story!

This episode is brought to you by Barnowl Adventures. Check out some amazing bicycle tour offerings at https://barnowladventures.com/In this episode I talk to Harshveer Sekhon, a multiple time National champion in skating who pivoted to cycling and won many medals both on track as well as on road. He is one of the most versatile cyclists we have today and is one of the strongest. It was great to sit down with him to talk about his origin story, his career trajectory, the Pune Grand Tour, HCL cyclothons and much more. 00:00:00 – Intro: The Vision for Indian Cycling (Pune Grand Tour 2075) 00:00:30 – Sponsor Shoutout: Barnowl Adventures 00:01:28 – Welcome to the Working Outlet Podcast 00:02:11 – Early Beginnings: 14 Years as a National Roller Skater 00:03:02 – Starting Sport for Fun and Weight Loss 00:03:30 – Representing India at the 2018 Asian Games (Skating) 00:04:04 – The Decision to Switch: Skating vs. Cycling 00:04:38 – Overcoming Financial Hurdles & Lack of Government Support 00:05:05 – Encouragement from Seniors and Potential in Cycling 00:05:35 – Meeting First Coach: Gurba "Baga" Singh 00:06:45 – The Cost Barrier: Being Offered a Spare Bike 00:07:00 – First Time at the Velodrome: Instant Potential Identified 00:07:34 – Early Success: Bronze at 2018 All India University Competition 00:08:58 – First Track Nationals in Jaipur (2019) 00:10:05 – Comparing Training: Skating Hours vs. Cycling Endurance 00:10:45 – Training Principles: Block Periodization 00:11:20 – Joining the National Team & Silver at the 2019 Asia Cup 00:13:30 – The Impact of COVID-19 on Training and Competitions00:17:45 – Evolution from Track Cycling to Road Racing00:22:15 – Mental Resilience: Dealing with Injuries and Setbacks00:29:40 – The Importance of Proper Nutrition for Elite Cyclists00:35:10 – Analyzing the International Cycling Scene vs. India00:41:20 – Gear and Technology: The Role of Aerodynamics00:48:50 – Advice for Aspiring Young Athletes in India00:55:15 – Future Goals: Target 2028 Olympics and Beyond01:03:10 – Reflections on the "Cycling Life" and Personal Growth01:07:40 – Closing Thoughts: Preparing for Life Beyond SportAbout the podcast:The working athlete podcast is a podcast with and for working athletes from all walks of life and various sports. The goal is to provide inspiration, training tips, mental hacks, time management and life-style advice through conversations with some of the best in sport, from athletes to coaches. If you think you can benefit from this, please consider subscribing and hitting the bell icon so that you don't miss the weekly episodes in future. Who is a working athlete? Someone working fulltime/part-time, entrepreneur or anyone who has to work to make ends meet and doesn't let being busy to stop him/her from pursuing an active lifestyle is a working athlete. I consider stay at home moms/dads who pursue a sport, as working athletes because homemaking is a full-time job.If you like this, please hit the like button and share with friends who could be interested.The audio version of the podcast can be found here: https://anchor.fm/bikeyvenkyRSS: https://anchor.fm/s/395ff0e4/podcast/rssApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-working-athlete-podcast/id1534754174Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1G3dJvBPqHhY35kD2rtXQ4Google podcasts: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8zOTVmZjBlNC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/gp1tf758Radio Public: https://radiopublic.com/the-working-athlete-podcast-WoK4pmBreaker: https://www.breaker.audio/the-working-athlete-podcastA bit about myself:I'm Venky/Venkateswara Rao in my work avatar, working in the IT industry in Bangalore. I'm Venky/Bikeyvenky for my friends in the cycling community.

#257 From Hyderabad to the World Stage: Agasthi Chandrashekar’s BMX Journey

This episode is brought to you by Barnowl Adventures. Check out some amazing bicycle tour offerings at https://barnowladventures.com/ In this episode I talk to Agasthi Chandrashekar and his mom Anupa Chandrashekar. Agasthi is an 18 year old BMX rider making a mark in races in South east Asia and the US. In this episode we talk about the amazing journey of this youngster and his family who went off the beaten track and pursued this unusual sport. 00:00:00 – Introduction and the "Next Race" Mindset; forgetting the previous run and focusing entirely on the next. 00:01:51 – Welcome Agasthi and Anupa Chandrashekar; Unlikely pursuit of BMX is in India, particularly in Hyderabad. 00:02:16 – Agasthi’s Early Start: From Endurance to Triathlons 00:03:42 – Discovering the Pump Track The "accidental" discovery of a local pump track in Hyderabad that changed Agasthi's athletic trajectory. 00:04:58 – The Big Choice: BMX vs. Triathlons Why Agasthi chose to focus on BMX over triathlons 00:05:21 – International Exposure: Racing in Malaysia The family's first trip to Malaysia for a BMX race, which opened their eyes to the global standard of the sport. 00:06:58 – What Makes BMX Special for Agasthi? 00:12:12 – Training in Hyderabad: Beyond the Track A look at Agasthi's current training regimen 00:16:28 – Targeting the 2032 Brisbane Olympics The family discusses their long-term vision 00:25:10 – Balancing Academics: The Homeschooling Advantage 00:27:22 – The logistical side of being a professional athlete, from setting a yearly calendar to managing finances and the "gate" at home. 00:31:24 – Challenges of BMX in India The difficulties of finding gear, safety equipment, and a local community of riders 00:37:02 – Exam Pressure vs. Race Pressure How Agasthi applies his "30-second race" focus to his school exams, finishing tasks quickly and efficiently. 00:46:00 – Is it the Parent's Goal or the Athlete's Goal? 00:55:33 – Representing India on the Global Stage Changing his USA BMX license to reflect his Indian nationality 01:02:42 – Overcoming Financial and Logistical Hurdles Anupa shares the reality of managing sudden challenges About the podcast: The working athlete podcast is a podcast with and for working athletes from all walks of life and various sports. The goal is to provide inspiration, training tips, mental hacks, time management and life-style advice through conversations with some of the best in sport, from athletes to coaches. If you think you can benefit from this, please consider subscribing and hitting the bell icon so that you don't miss the weekly episodes in future. Who is a working athlete? Someone working fulltime/part-time, entrepreneur or anyone who has to work to make ends meet and doesn't let being busy to stop him/her from pursuing an active lifestyle is a working athlete. I consider stay at home moms/dads who pursue a sport, as working athletes because homemaking is a full-time job. If you like this, please hit the like button and share with friends who could be interested.

#256 Sreenath Lakshmikant: National Criterium GOLD, Gravel Worlds, and the Winning Race Breakdown

This episode is brought to you by Barnowl Adventures. Check out some amazing bicycle tour offerings at https://barnowladventures.com/ In this episode I talk to Sreenath Lakshmikanth, 2025 Indian Road Nationals Criterium National Champion. He is one of the most hard working and most humble athletes I know. I have been following his journey from the very beginning and was fortunate enough to coach him for a couple of years at the start of his cycling journey. Over the years he has grown into a very accomplished rider and a great coach to many athletes. It is so heartening to see him succeed at Nationals and finally clinching a gold medal. It was fascinating to hear about his Nationals experience on how he overcame the disappointment of the road race to clinching gold at the criterium the very next day. 00:01:37 - Welcome and Congratulations on Winning National Criterium Gold 00:02:20 - Comparing the Gold to the Previous National Games Silver (Goa 2023) 00:02:46 - Discussing the Shift in Focus to New Events: Gravel and Mountain Biking (MTB) 00:04:51 - First Attempt to Qualify for Gravel World Championship in the UK (Greilok Race) 00:06:39 - Qualifying for Gravel World Championship in Kenya (Flat Tire, Crash, and Qualification) 00:08:28 - The Gravel World Championship Experience in the Netherlands 00:19:24 - Mental Preparation and Strategy for the National Criterium 00:23:32 - The Disappointing National Road Race Finish and Lessons Learned 00:30:19 - Breakdown of the National Criterium Gold-Winning Race (Attacks, Points, and Sprint) 00:37:44 - The Success of the Tamil Nadu Team and Importance of Support 00:41:37 - Future Goals: Focusing on Road Racing and the Granfondo world championships in Japan About the podcast: The working athlete podcast is a podcast with and for working athletes from all walks of life and various sports. The goal is to provide inspiration, training tips, mental hacks, time management and life-style advice through conversations with some of the best in sport, from athletes to coaches. If you think you can benefit from this, please consider subscribing and hitting the bell icon so that you don't miss the weekly episodes in future. Who is a working athlete? Someone working fulltime/part-time, entrepreneur or anyone who has to work to make ends meet and doesn't let being busy to stop him/her from pursuing an active lifestyle is a working athlete. I consider stay at home moms/dads who pursue a sport, as working athletes because homemaking is a full-time job. If you like this, please hit the like button and share with friends who could be interested. The audio version of the podcast can be found here: https://anchor.fm/bikeyvenky RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/395ff0e4/podcast/rss Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-working-athlete-podcast/id1534754174 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1G3dJvBPqHhY35kD2rtXQ4 Google podcasts: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8zOTVmZjBlNC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw== Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/gp1tf758 Radio Public: https://radiopublic.com/the-working-athlete-podcast-WoK4pm Breaker: https://www.breaker.audio/the-working-athlete-podcast A bit about myself: I'm Venkat/Venkateswara Rao in my work avatar, working as a Chief Data Analyst in the IT industry in Bangalore. I'm Venky/Bikeyvenky for my friends in the cycling community.

#255 MTB Himalaya, MTB Shimla: The Untold Story of India's Toughest Mountain Bike Race- Ashish Sood

This episode is brought to you by Barnowl Adventures. Barnowl creates supported cycling tours across India, south east Asia and beyond — blending beautiful routes, authentic cultural experiences, and memorable stays. I had the chance to ride with them on the Mae Hong Son Challenge in Northern Thailand back in 2024, and it was simply unforgettable — the roads, the stays, and the support they provide make it really special. And honestly, some of the best Thai food I’ve ever had was on that tour — these guys make sure local cuisine is central to the whole experience. Check out their upcoming tours at www.barnowladventures.com. This episode is brought to you by www.thebikeaffair.com If you are in search of a one-stop destination that caters to all your cycling needs, our today's sponsor, The Bike Affair, is the perfect place to check out! With over 14 years of experience, The Bike Affair has established itself as a trusted source offering honest advice and exceptional service. They are offering a special treat for the listeners of this podcast. You can enjoy a 10% discount on your first order by using the code 'BIKEYVENKY' on their website. Visit their bike store in Hyderabad or shop online by using the link www.thebikeaffair.com In this episode I talk to Ashish Sood. Ashish is a mountain biker and the organizer of MTB Himalaya and MTB Shimla races. In this episode he shares the behind the scenes aspects of organising such races in the unforgiving terrain of the Himalayas. He also shares his insights on the MTB riding landscape and how it evolved over the years in his view. It was a fascinating conversation. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:03:38 - Ashish's Relationship with Sports Growing Up 00:04:29 - How Ashish Got Into MTB Cycling 00:06:04 - The Origin Story of MTB Himalaya 00:07:33 - The Early Years & Growth of the Race 00:10:56 - The Race Evolves: Arrival of Pro Riders & Hero Cycles 00:13:01 - Experience Racing the Transalp in Europe 00:14:23 - Key Differences: Racing in Europe vs. India 00:20:06 - What Goes Into Organizing MTB Himalaya? 00:23:57 - The Logistical Nightmare of Remote Camping 00:28:17 - Safety & Rescue in the Unforgiving Himalayas 00:31:06 - A Pro Rider's Terrifying 200-Foot Fall 00:33:30 - Why Manual Rider Tracking is Best 00:38:01 - Funny Story of a "Lost" Rider 00:40:41 - The Toughest & Best Editions of the Race 00:47:12 - How Race Routes Are Selected in the Himalayas 00:53:05 - "Mission Smile": Giving Back to the Local Community 00:55:06 - MTB Himalaya vs. MTB Shimla: What's the Difference? 00:58:33 - Developing the Next Generation of Indian Athletes 01:06:03 - The Current State & Future of MTB in India 01:10:47 - The Myth: Is Mountain Biking More Dangerous Than Road Cycling? 01:14:33 - Positive Signs for the Future of the Sport 01:21:08 - Final Thoughts About the podcast: The working athlete podcast is a podcast with and for working athletes from all walks of life and various sports. The goal is to provide inspiration, training tips, mental hacks, time management and life-style advice through conversations with some of the best in sport, from athletes to coaches. If you think you can benefit from this, please consider subscribing and hitting the bell icon so that you don't miss the weekly episodes in future. Who is a working athlete? Someone working fulltime/part-time, entrepreneur or anyone who has to work to make ends meet and doesn't let being busy to stop him/her from pursuing an active lifestyle is a working athlete. I consider stay at home moms/dads who pursue a sport, as working athletes because homemaking is a full-time job. If you like this, please hit the like button and share with friends who could be interested.

#254 Broken Bike, Hallucinations & No Sleep: Surviving the 3600km Race Around Poland - John Gwite

This episode is brought to you by www.thebikeaffair.com If you are in search of a one-stop destination that caters to all your cycling needs, our today's sponsor, The Bike Affair, is the perfect place to check out! With over 14 years of experience, The Bike Affair has established itself as a trusted source offering honest advice and exceptional service. They are offering a special treat for the listeners of this podcast. You can enjoy a 10% discount on your first order by using the code 'BIKEYVENKY' on their website. Visit their bike store in Hyderabad or shop online by using the link www.thebikeaffair.com In this episode I talk to John Lal Gwite. John is one of the strongest Ultra cyclists we have in India. In this episode he shares his experience of completing the Race Around Poland and the experience of London Edinburgh London(LEL 2025). Even more impressive than his ultra cycling abilities are his positive attitude, his humbleness and his hunger to keep pushing his limits to know the limits and expand them. 00:00:00 - Intro 00:03:59 - The Race Around Poland: 3600 km with 32,000 meters of climbing 00:05:12 - Training for an epic race: The Kashmir to Kanyakumari ride 00:07:48 - Key learnings on what to carry for ultra-endurance events 00:11:32 - John's strategy and goals for the Race Around Poland 00:12:27 - The self-supported nature of the race 00:15:53 - A major setback: A broken pulley 1200 km into the race 00:18:17 - The determination to finish: "I have to finish this no matter what" 00:20:42 - Pushing through exhaustion and hallucinations 00:23:21 - When the organizers force you to take a 12-hour rest 00:27:12 - The final push: Battling heavy rain 150 km from the finish 00:31:04 - An ingenious solution for the unexpected cold 00:33:14 - Final result and lessons learned from the race 00:38:03 - Back-to-back challenges: The London-Edinburgh-London (LEL) race 00:39:52 - Facing extreme weather at LEL 00:42:29 - Reflecting on the shortened LEL and personal satisfaction 00:45:48 - The mental game: "The more tougher it is, the better it is" 00:46:56 - Conclusion