The Track Asia Cup, part of the UCI's continental calendar, has evolved into a vital platform for Asian cyclists since its inception. While the broader Asian Cycling Championships date back to 1963, encompassing both road and track disciplines under the Asian Cycling Confederation (ACC), the Cup series focuses specifically on track events, offering Class 1 and Class 2 competitions that help build regional talent and international rankings. In 2026, India took centre stage by hosting two legs: the Class 2 event in Chennai and potentially another in New Delhi, alongside a Class 1 round in Suphan Buri, Thailand later in August. These events not only foster competition but also contribute to the development of cycling infrastructure and athlete preparation across the continent. For India, hosting the Chennai leg was a strategic move, aligning with national efforts to elevate track cycling amid growing interest in Olympic sports.
The choice of Chennai as host was no accident. The city's SDAT Cycling Velodrome, located on the Tamil Nadu Physical Education and Sports University (TNPESU) campus in Vandalur, stands as a testament to modern engineering and ambition. This 330-meter outdoor track, India's first velodrome equipped with floodlights, is UCI Level 2-certified, making it one of the few in Asia capable of staging world-championship-level events. Built to international standards, the venue features banked turns that allow cyclists to reach blistering speeds of 60-70 kmph, demanding precision, strategy, and raw power from competitors. Preparations for the event were meticulous, organized by the Tamil Nadu Cycling Association (TNCA) in collaboration with the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) and the Cycling Federation of India (CFI). The Tamil Nadu government invested heavily, providing 16 high-end carbon-fibre bicycles—each costing around ₹16 lakh—for athletes to train and compete, ensuring they could match global standards. Over three action-packed days, the velodrome buzzed with energy as more than 120 cyclists from 11 countries—including Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, Maldives, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Singapore, Uzbekistan, and host India—competed in a variety of disciplines. Events ranged from sprints and keirins to pursuits and omniums, with a total prize purse of USD 10,000 adding to the stakes. The competition was fierce, with riders pushing their limits on the sun-drenched track, their aerodynamic suits and specialized bikes slicing through the air. Highlights included record-breaking sprints and tactical endurance races, capturing the essence of track cycling's blend of speed and strategy. India's performance was nothing short of dominant, underscoring the nation's rising status in Asian cycling. The home team, comprising 50 cyclists including talents from SDAT hostels, topped the medal tally with an impressive haul of 16 gold, 15 silver, and 13 bronze medals, totalling 44.
Standout moments came on the final day, where Rojit Singh Yanglem clinched gold in the men's 200m sprint, outpacing rivals in a display of explosive power. In the women's category, Celestina mirrored this success with a gold in the 200m sprint, while Triyasha Paul and Keerthi Rangaswamy shone in the elite women's keirin, securing gold and silver medals respectively amid cheers from the local crowd. Junior athletes also made their mark, with Thabitha Shaffi winning gold in the women's scratch race. International highlights included strong showings from Indonesia, which finished second with five gold, one silver, and two bronze, and notable performances like Filipino Steven Tablizo's fourth place in the 30km points race, decided by a photo finish.
Chennai hosts the UCI Track Asia Cup 2026
The SDAT Cycling Velodrome — home of the championship
Beyond the medals, the event highlighted emerging local talent, particularly from Tamil Nadu. Teenage cyclists like those from the state's hostels balanced rigorous training with education, earning international ranking points that could propel them toward Olympic dreams.
An Indian rider celebrates with the tricolour
The warm hospitality extended to international teams, from Kazakhstan to the Philippines, fostered a spirit of camaraderie, as riders shared stories of their journeys amid the vibrant Chennai backdrop.
Medallists on the Track Asia Cup podium
The impact of hosting the Track Asia Cup extends far beyond the three days of competition. For Chennai, it was a moment to shine on the global stage, boosting local interest in cycling and potentially inspiring a new generation of athletes. The event's success has positioned Tamil Nadu as a key player in India's cycling ecosystem, with the velodrome now proven as a world-class facility ready for future international meets. Nationally, India's medal dominance signals progress in track cycling, a discipline where the country has historically lagged but is now gaining momentum through investments in infrastructure and coaching.
A rider in the individual time trial
As the dust settles on the velodrome, the Track Asia Cup 2026 leaves a lasting legacy. It was more than a race; it was a celebration of perseverance, innovation, and international unity. Chennai's foray into track cycling has set a high bar, paving the way for greater achievements in the sport. With eyes now on the next legs of the Cup and the path to LA 2028, the city's "track moment" may just be the beginning of a golden era for Indian cycling.