Patna: Maxwell Trevor, cycling member of the Sports Authority of India’s Talent Identification and Development Committee (TIDC), stated that talent scouts not only observe an athlete’s on-field performance but also closely monitor aspects like warm-up routines and behaviour.
An 11-time national track cycling champion and fourth-place finisher at the 1986 Asian Games, Maxwell Trevor is regarded as one of India’s most respected cycling coaches. He spoke about the TIDC team’s efforts to identify promising athletes during the Khelo India Youth Games 2025 being held in Bihar.
Trevor said that TIDC members, particularly for cycling, keep a close watch on every athlete, especially those aged between 14 and 16. “We assess their pedalling technique, warm-up routines, and discipline,” he said. “Some athletes are so disciplined that they instinctively know when to begin warming up.”
He explained that the primary focus is on identifying young athletes with whom coaches can work long-term. “We also examine the kind of equipment they’re using – frames, wheels – because that’s a major factor. We assess their explosive power too,” he added.
Following this, sport-specific tests are conducted using computer-linked bicycles, capturing cadence, pedal revolutions per minute, heart rate, and power output (in watts) at various intervals. “These tests give us a strong insight into the athlete’s potential.”
It’s not just about physical attributes. “We also evaluate the mental capacity of young riders,” Trevor said. “I’ve seen many talented athletes who lacked self-confidence. That’s why we consider these aspects too.”
Speaking about the regions that produce India’s top cyclists – endurance riders from Rajasthan, sprinters from Manipur and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and strong talents from Maharashtra and Karnataka – Trevor noted that athletes from these areas often possess natural ability and the ideal lower-body structure for the sport.
He fondly remembered his coach, Mumtaz Ahmed, with respect and gratitude, and expressed satisfaction that the Cycling Federation of India is now focusing on grassroots coaching. “Yes, the federation is working in this direction,” he said.
“The UCI Level 1 coaching course is now available in India. The aim is to increase the number of grassroots-level coaches so they can support the main centres. I believe we’re headed in the right direction, and everything will fall into place,” Trevor concluded.
