Devender Thakur
By: Vineet Sharma
Also featured in issue #21 | May 2014
Full Name: Devender Thakur
Nickname: Appu
Hometown: Kullu
Favorite Drinks: Orange juice
Music: Rock
FR MTB MAG: When did you start racing?
DEVENDER: In Dec 2012 Trails n Dust mountain bike challenge, Manali.
FR MTB MAG:Who inspired you to get in the world of mountain biking or who are your biggest influences in the sport?
DEVENDER: Mr. Naveen Barongpa inspired me a lot.
FR MTB MAG: Describe your riding style.
DEVENDER: My riding style is cross country and I like technical uphill and downhill tracks and muddy tracks.
FR MTB MAG: Your greatest achievement to date:
DEVENDER: Overall champion of MTB Shimla 2014, 3rd place in Trails n Dust mountain bike challenge, Manali 2012, 7th place in National championship 2013.
FR MTB MAG: Tell us more about your current bike and what makes it so special?
DEVENDER: My current bike is a Giant Talon 27.5 1 , the special thing about this bike is that it has new wheel size and it is light and efficient on the climbs.
FR MTB MAG: We have seen you racing regularly for a while now and you won the recent MTB Shimla. Do you wish to race more often?
DEVENDER: Yes! I’m excited and want to compete against the world class riders in the upcoming races.
FR MTB MAG: What are your favorite types of trails and riding zones in India?
DEVENDER: I like single tracks and technical trails anywhere.
FR MTB MAG: If you could ride with your favorite rider anywhere in the world, where would you go and with whom?
DEVENDER: I would like to ride in South Africa with Julien Absalon the former world champion.
FR MTB MAG: What are your current and future goals in life and what are you doing to achieve these goals?
DEVENDER: I’m looking forward to compete in the World championships and I am training hard every day and getting good support by few good people.
FR MTB MAG: Any shout outs to sponsors, individuals who supported you through your mountain bike journey so far?
DEVENDER: Currently I am sponsored by Sprint Giant , I would like thank to my sponsors who has supported me and sponsored me a good bike to compete on.
