June 3 every year is celebrated as the World Bicycle Day. The United Nations General Assembly declared June 3 as World Bicycle Day to recognizes “the uniqueness, longevity and versatility” of the bicycle. It is only apt that we delve into the life of a cyclist. How about knowing about an ultra-cyclist?
The World Ultra Cycling Association defines ultracylicts as follows:
“Ultracycling athletes compete in events not less than 200 kilometers or, for a defined time, at least six hours in duration. Most races are much longer!”. According to the association “ultracycling invites an athlete to find their very best inside themselves while riding their bicycle.”
So it will only be fitting that we get to know about an ultra-cyclsit who holds two Guinness World Records. He is Adil Teli, an athlete from Kashmir. He will now be representing India at the 2025 UCI Gran Fondo World Series. The UCI Gran Fondo World Series is a series of UCI-sanctioned races held all over the world. The UCI Gran Fondo World Series is designed to cater to both highly competitive cyclists—those who may fall just short of reaching the professional elite level or who wish to continue racing at a high standard later in life—and recreational riders who participate for fitness and the enjoyment of completing the event.
In an in-depth interview to The Sports Planet, Adil takes us through his remarkable journey. He talks about how he got into cycling, his two world records key figures who shaped his path, and the mental and physical strength it took to achieve the records and much more.
Excerpts of the interview are below:
Let’s go back to the start—how did your journey with cycling begin?
Adil: I grew up in Narbal, near Srinagar. Like most kids, I was into cricket initially. But cycling always fascinated me—there was a kind of freedom in it. When I got to college, I started taking it more seriously. I began training on the tough terrain around Kashmir and realized I had a real connection with the sport. That’s when it stopped being a hobby and became a purpose. I remember my first cycle costed around ₹3000.
Were there any key moments or people who played an important role in shaping your path?
Adil: Definitely. My father was a huge influence. He used to work as a daily wage laborer. He used to earn something around ₹300 to ₹400 a day. We are a big family of seven members. So he had to take care of everyone. He always supported my dream—never questioned it, even when it wasn’t common to pursue sports full-time. He used to tell me, “If you’re doing this, give it everything.” That mindset stuck with me.
Some school textbooks have now included a chapter on me. When I first showed him that chapter he had tears in his eyes.
You’ve broken not one, but two major cycling world records. Walk us through those.
Adil: The first was in 2021—Kashmir to Kanyakumari, over 3,600 kilometers. I completed it in 8 days, 1 hour, and 39 minutes. It was a test of everything—body, mind, spirit. This ride was flagged off from historic Lal Chowk.
Then in 2022, I took on the Manali to Leh ride. It’s shorter, about 472 kilometers, but extremely tough because of the altitude and terrain. I finished that one in 29 hours and 18 minutes, non-stop. Both rides pushed me beyond what I thought I was capable of.
What were some of the biggest physical or mental challenges during these rides?
Adil: There were plenty. During the Kashmir–Kanyakumari ride, I was sleeping only 2–3 hours a day and riding for 17 to 18 hours. I’d start hallucinating, forget what day it was. My body would ache, my hands would go numb, and still I had to keep pedaling.
For the Kashmir to Kanyakumai ride on the seventh night I was struggling as I was suffering from a swelling in my left knee. The pain was unbearable. There was an injury. I still had around 600km to cover to reach the finish line. I started having thoughts of not continuing the ride and quit. I wanted to head back home. But at around 2.30 in the night I called my mother. I conveyed to her what was going in my head. She told me not to stop. She told me to remember all the pains and struggles that I had gone through to reach the stage where I was. That changed something in my head. It motivated me to achieve my target no matter what! Those words from my mother changed everything. I pushed myself hard from that stage and was able to cross the finish line and break the world record.
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How did you prepare yourself for challenges like these—physically and mentally?
Adil: My team and I created a strict plan that included endurance rides, gym work, and recovery. Nutrition was key. I also simulated race conditions—riding on minimal sleep, staying on the saddle for 10–12 hours at a time. Mentally, I conditioned myself to be okay with discomfort.
I had to also look for sponsors. I had to get right people in my team who could help me sponsor my rides. Ultra-cycling is very expensive. I have been supported well by Sanjha in my endeavors. Vasundhara ma’am from Saanjha has never left me alone.
When things got really painful, what did you do to push through?
Adil: There were moments I wanted to give up. But I’d think of my family, especially my parents. I’d think of the people who believed in me and even the ones who didn’t. I’d picture the finish line, the moment of crossing it. And I’d remind myself: this isn’t just for me—it’s for every kid from a small town with a big dream.
What was the reaction back in your hometown when you broke the first World Record?
Adil: People in my hometown burst into celebrations when I crossed the finish line. And when I returned home there were around 50,000 people who had gathered to welcome me. All of a sudden there was a lot of media attention. I also got featured in a documentary filmed by HistoryTV.
What kept you motivated throughout all of this?
Adil: It was a mix of proving something to myself and representing where I’m from. A lot of people don’t expect world records to come out of Kashmir. I wanted to change that. I wanted to show that passion and discipline can come from anywhere. And if my story helps inspire even one young person to chase their dreams, then all the pain and effort is worth it.
How has cycling changed you personally?
Adil: It’s made me who I am. I’ve learned discipline, patience, and how to stay focused under pressure. I’ve learned to respect my limits—and also how to break them. Cycling didn’t just change my lifestyle; it gave my life purpose. Today, when young people message me saying, “Bhai, I want to be like you,” I know I’ve done something right.
Could you highlight how expensive is ultra-cycling?
Adil: In ultra-cycling the cost of a cycle can start from ₹1.5 lakhs and it can go as high as ₹30 lakh. Our shoes cost ₹30,000-₹40,000. The helmets we use cost ₹10,000-₹15,000. Then we also need sunglasses and costumes.
Our game is very expensive. You need high-end equipment. If you also need good specialized nutrition. For that we need to spend anywhere between ₹20,000-₹25,000 every month. The bike I am using right now is made in France.
As this interview will be published on the World Bicycle Day, could you please highlight the importance of cycling for common man?
Adil: When a person is mentally stressed, cycling helps to relieve stress. A person is psychologically fit. A person is physically fit. A person’s heart condition is fit. People are adopting cycling for fitness. In India, there is a cycling challenge called Fit India Sundays on Cycle initiative,. A lot of people are participating in it. Cycling keeps people fit.
Cycling also helps you relax. When you go for a morning ride, you stay fresh all day. You don’t get stressed. Cycling is important for you. You will be physically fit, but you will be stress-free. Your lung capacity and oxygen capacity will increase.
Finally a message from your side that can inspire people
Adil: Every person has good abilities. There is always a special quality in every person. It is very important to understand that quality. I see people these days complain that there are less opportunities. I didn’t have any opportunities either. Don’t wait for an opportunity. It is important to dream. You have to fight for your dreams. You will not get success until you hustle for it.
Prakhar Sachdeo
The Sportz Planet Desk
