The 2025 UCI Track Nations Cup kicked off in Konya, Turkey, from March 14 to 16, featuring some of the best track cyclists from around the world.
For India, the event marked a significant step forward, with Esow Alben delivering a solid performance in the Men’s Keirin and the Indian Men’s Sprint Team breaking the National Record.
Esow Alben’s Strong Show in Men’s Keirin
Esow Alben, one of India’s top track cyclists, put up a commendable fight in the Men’s Elite Keirin event. While he missed direct qualification, he bounced back in the repechage round, topping his heat to reach the semifinals.
In the semifinal, Esow narrowly missed a spot in the A Final by just 0.073 seconds. Despite the heartbreak, he regrouped for the B Final, finishing third. This result placed him ninth overall in a highly competitive field of 40 riders.
Notably, the reigning Keirin World Champion, Kento Yamasaki, who finished second in the B Final, placed just one spot ahead of Esow in eighth overall. The event was won by Malaysia’s Shah Firdaus Sahrom, with France’s Sébastien Vigier securing silver and Japan’s Shinji Nakano taking bronze.
Esow’s performance is a promising sign for Indian track cycling, as he continues to make his mark against world-class competition.
National Record Alert: Indian Men’s Sprint Team Smashes Record
One of the biggest highlights for India in Konya was the record-breaking performance by the Indian Men’s Sprint Team. The trio clocked 44.187 seconds, setting a new National Record and surpassing the previous best of 44.451 seconds.
India finished 11th out of 16 teams, a respectable position in an elite field. To put the performance into perspective, the reigning Olympic champions, the Netherlands, were the last team to qualify for the knockout rounds with a time of 43.302 seconds.
The achievement reflects the steady progress of Indian track cycling, particularly under the guidance of two-time Olympic medalist Kévin Sireau, who now serves as the head coach.
India had previously taken four years (2019-2023) to lower the National Record from 44.625s to 44.609s. However, in February 2024, the team broke the record twice—first against Indonesia (44.543s) and then against China (44.451s) in the Asian Games Bronze Final. The new record set in Konya continues this upward trajectory.
David Beckham Elkatohchoongo Breaks Flying 200m National Record
Another major milestone for Indian cycling came from David Beckham Elkatohchoongo, who set a new National Record in the Flying 200m Time Trial during the Men’s Sprint qualification round.
Clocking 9.671 seconds, he shattered the previous Indian record of 9.877 seconds. His performance earned him 24th place among 40 riders, securing his qualification for the next round.
This marks a significant achievement for Elkatohchoongo and adds another feather to India’s growing track cycling credentials.
Malaysia Bids to Host 2026 UCI Track Nations Cup
Meanwhile, Malaysia has officially entered the race to host the 2026 UCI Track Nations Cup. The National Velodrome in Nilai is being proposed as the venue, and a final decision is expected in June this year. If successful, Malaysia will join the list of nations hosting this prestigious event, further strengthening Southeast Asia’s presence in international track cycling.
Conclusion
The 2025 UCI Track Nations Cup in Konya has been a memorable event for Indian cycling. Esow Alben’s gritty performance in the Men’s Keirin, the Indian Men’s Sprint Team’s record-breaking run, and David Beckham Elkatohchoongo’s historic 200m sprint all signal the sport’s rapid development in the country.
With experienced leadership from Kévin Sireau and increasing competitiveness on the global stage, India’s track cycling prospects are brighter than ever. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on the Indian riders to continue their upward climb.
