Date:03/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/03/stories/2008120357140200.htm

Tamil Nadu - Tiruchi

Cyclist beats fever for 3 golds

G. Prasad

“I desperately wanted to achieve and am happy”

Photo: M. Moorthy

DETERMINED: Young cyclist C. Rajesh. —

TIRUCHI: Young cyclist C. Rajesh defined determination by making light of his running temperature to wrest three gold medals at the 14th National Road Cycling Championship at Bijapur recently.

Rajesh clinched two gold in the junior section – 100 km mass start and 50 km point race and one gold in the senior category – 6 km track mass start. These medals add a speciality to his achievements so far that reflect in the number of other trophies and medals adorning his showcase.

“Even my father didn’t expect me to win medals as I was down with fever. But I desperately wanted to achieve and am happy that I have done it,” said a beaming Rajesh, a student of Seshasayee Institute of Technology.

Trained by his father, D. Chandrasekar, the youngster has been a consistent performer at tournaments conducted at various levels. “Rajesh has a great appetite for winning. This win is an ample proof to his sheer willpower to succeed. I attribute the victory to his persistent hard work,” said Mr. Chandrasekar.

Rajesh has been selected for the national cycling coaching camp being conducted at Patiala in the run up to the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

“Booking a place in the Indian team for the Games is my goal as of now. Donning the national colours and bringing laurels to the country is my ultimate aim,” said a confident Rajesh.