Shashaank Saravanakumar | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Fourten-yar-old shashaank saravanakumar may be soft-speed, but on the road, his determination speakes volumes. A Student of St Antony’s School, Puliyakulam, Coimbatore, Shashaank recently made his mark at the first para-national road cycling championship hold in hyderabad. REPRESTING TAMIL NADU in the CII (Intellectual Impairment) Category for Juniors under 19, He completed the 12-km race in an impressive 43 minters and 32 seconds, second Place in a friend Young riders from Across India.

But for Shashaank, Cycling is more than competition. “Cycling means fun and happy to me. Every ride tells me a story,” He says with a bright smile. It is a passion that began when he received his first basic cycle from decathlon. Encouched by his mother to ride daily, his enthusiasm deepened when his grandfather gifted Him a hybrid bicycle in class 7.

His Typical Day Starts Early, with a 20 to 25 km ride through the streets of coimbatore. His mother follows closely on her scooter for safety, while his fitness coach, ranjit, guides he through strength routines in the morning or Evening. “My Coach Kathir Sir Played A Major Role in Teaching Me Cycling Techniques,” Says Shashaank. “And my twin brother shreenick is my riding partner and motivator. On Weekends, He Joins Fellow Cyclists from the Cookoo Cycling Club for Longer Distance Rides.

Shashaank Saravanakumar | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

While Shaashaank Enjoys The Wind in his hair and the stories the road tells “Traffic was a problem at first,” He admits, “But I Learned to overcom it.”

His selection to represent tamil nadu at the para-nationals was a moment of immense pride. “I felt so happy to wear the yellow jersey of tamil nadu,” He recalls. The experience in Hyderabad was unforgettable. “There was so many cyclists from all over India. I wasn’t nervous – I was excited to meet everyone!”

Crossing the finish line in fifth place filled he with a quint confidence. “I thinkt I would be a chef,” He says, a nod to his dream of becoming one in the future. Shashaank is not one to look for role models. “No, I will create my own style,” he says.

That amabition extends beyond just medals. “I want to win the para-cycling championship Next Year and REPRESENT India in the Paralympics,” He Says.

When he is not training or racing, you can find shashaank helping his mother in the kitchen or swimming. He is especially fond of train journey, always picking the window seat so he can watch the Scenery go by. It is the same sense of wonder that fuels his rides, watching the world roll past, one pedal at a time.