An interview with our Ambassadors around the world, starting the first episode from Uzbekistan with Rajesh Nair
One of the characteristics of the soul of the Giro delle Dolomiti is networking: cycling for a week with cyclists from all over the world sharing sports experiences and fabulous panoramas, gives birth to international friendships that last over the years. We have therefore decided to introduce you some friends who have been joining us for many years, telling you their stories and their thoughts on the Giro delle Dolomiti.
From which country/city are you writing us? Where do you usually go cycling?
Currently I live in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Unfortunately, around the city, I do not have many cycling friendly routes but about 70kms away lies the Chimgan Mountains. These mountains are majestic and beautiful and reminds of a lot of the Alpine climbs. I ride them as often as I can.
What meaning has cycling in your country? Sport, commuting, infrastructures for cyclist, tourism…
Currently in Tashkent, we do not have any cycling infrastructure. Though there is a huge potential and the government is currently looking into it. As a sport, it is not as popular as it is in Europe or other parts of the world.
How many years did you take part of the Giro delle Dolomiti?
I have participated in the Giro Delle Dolomiti 8 times!! I was looking forward to do it 10 consecutive times but unfortunately the event in 2020 got cancelled.
How would you define the Giro delle Dolomiti in three key words?
Challenge, Unique, Community
What do you find unique in the Dolomites, UNESCOs Heritage?
The Dolomiti is obviously unique of its majestic mountains and fascinating landscapes. But it is also great that it has amazing infrastructure built with care and responsibility for people to enjoy the mountains.
What do you think about the Giro format, that is a balanced combination of timed and controlled speed sections with road closed to traffic?
I have always enjoyed the format of the Giro delle Dolomiti. It is getting very popular in many other parts of the world as well. The format allows the athlete to not only challenge himself in the timed sections of the Giro, but also immerse in the fascinating view of these beautiful mountains during the controlled speed sections. There is also plenty of time to build friendships with other athletes who come from different parts of the world.
Out of all the stages you have been cycling in the past years, which one is your favourite? And which Dolomite Pass have you never done and would like to try?
It is always great to ride the Sella Ronda. No matter how many times you have done it, it is special. The Stelvio is another epic climb that is never the same. I have climbed it over 5 times and each time I faced a different challenge and experience. I think over the past 8 participations I have climbed pretty much all of the very popular climbs.
On average, how many km do you cycle per year?
I ride about 20,000kms a year.
29 July 2020
Rajesh’s INSTAGRAM.
