An interview with TVS Sherco riders Aravind KP and Abdul W Tanveer

QnA with TVS Sherco riders

The Merzouga Rally finished not too long ago, and the TVS Sherco team is back home after successfully completing the rally. We caught up with Aravind KP and Abdul Waheed Tanveer to talk to them about their experiences in the rally.

 

1. How tough is a race like the Merzouga Rally? With respect to the likes of the Raid de Himalaya, which is our gold standard…

Aravind KP: Every race is unique and a learning ground in itself, whether it be at the national or international level. It would be difficult to say which is the tougher one here. While Raid de Himalaya is amongst the top ten toughest rallies in the world, Merzouga Rally is nothing short of a mini Dakar series. It tests the rider’s endurance, navigation and trail riding skills. Merzouga is an ideal training ground for Dakar, where we face unpredictable environmental conditions akin to those during Dakar Rally. Our all-year practice and training sessions, designed by Sherco & TVS Racing, equips us with all the right techniques to maneuver through some of the toughest terrains in the world.

Abdul W Tanveer: There is no denying that the Raid de Himalaya is counted amongst the most difficult rallies in the world and this year, India Baja also got tougher. But it is rallies like Merzouga which are the true test of endurance, physical and mental stamina as well as your riding skills. I have learned a lot from Merzouga which will help me prepare better for upcoming races.

National rallies are no easy tasks either - we have challenges there too, especially when it comes to terrains and altitudes. I have been a part of many challenging rallies, but the endurance, stamina, mental stability and motivation required to participate and compete in a rally like Merzouga is an experience like no other. 

2. How does one prepare for a race like this? In terms of fitness, bike prep, support during the rally…

AKP: As racers, we train and practice all year round, irrespective of the challenges we participate in. The preparation never stops and the learnings from each race help in preparing better for the next one. Such races are mentally and physically gruelling and so, it is important to follow a strict regime with a mix of endurance and fitness trainings. I’ve been part of the TVS Racing team for over a decade, and the training and exposure at national and international levels have helped in every sense. 

The team prepares my schedule of trainings for the year and also prior to crucial races. Before any race, I make sure to pack in the maximum possible time with my motorcycle. It is essential to sync your energy with the motorcycle - after all, it is an extension of its rider. Besides this, I also practice meditation and yoga, as it helps in strengthening mental focus which is very much required for such rallies.

AWT: We prepare all-year long irrespective of the events/ races organised each year. TVS Racing team ensures that we not only become familiar with Indian but also the international terrains. Maintaining a high fitness level and spending a lot of time on the bike is a part of the training besides understanding the technical aspects of the bike and the trails. The time I spend on my bike increases significantly before any major rally raids. The fitness regime also becomes more strenuous as we undergo extensive endurance trainings. The foundation laid by TVS Racing for so many years has helped me prepare and build on my expertise and the idea is to constantly maintain the momentum. My teammate Aravind KP is also helping me in my preparations for international challenges.

 

3. What was the standout moment for you from the Merzouga rally? 

AKP: Riding in my first international rally post my Dakar injury was a test of my fitness and overcoming that challenge gave me great confidence. I’m happy with my performance at the Merzouga Rally. We rode through varied terrains with small sand dunes, sandy paths and rocky tracks. Our complete team finished the rally and as we approached the finishing line, it became one of the most memorable moments of my life. Our team had different kinds of racers, from an extremely experienced 4 times Dakar rider to a racer who has never participated in any international before this, and yet we all completed the rally without any injury - that also makes it a special moment.   

AWT: Merzouga being my first international rally is in itself a memory etched for lifetime. There were several overwhelming experiences throughout the rally but the moment I finished the rally is the most precious one of all - a moment of pure joy filled with pride and achievement. It is every racer’s prerogative to give it his/her best shot and finish the rally with good rankings. The excited faces of my team at the end of the race was a moment to savor and I felt I would burst with happiness. It was at that time, that I felt a sense of gratitude towards TVS Racing, my team, who gave me this opportunity and supported me throughout so that I perform at this level.

4. How can one enter a race like this without a wildcard entry like Abdul had? 

AKP: Motorsports is catching up in India and so is the exposure amongst the people. Anyone who is passionate about motorsports needs to join training schools. There are many training schools across the country so one can choose according to his/her preferred form of racing - like Motocross, Road Racing, Supercross, etc. After training, the racer’s career begins as a privateer. While racing as a privateer, one should train harder and perform better and better. If you perform really well, then there’s a good chance that you might be picked up by a factory team. It is only through your dedication, patience and hard work that you can reach your goal. Continuous training and track practice are the key to performing well at a race and getting noticed. When I began a decade ago, people were not aware of this sport. However, I used to participate in the events and finally, I was spotted by TVS Racing; they sensed my potential and offered to a place on the team at that time.

Once an individual starts performing well in national events, avenues for international rally events open up as well.

AWT: Motorsports is already an evolved game internationally. India is fast growing and learning quickly to meet international standards of the motorsports world.  Indian rallies are not far behind as seen by India Baja, which is a tough competition with international riders pitting against the national champs. The safety standards were the same as well and it was in every way, a precursor to Merzouga. I am only one championship old in international arena and have a lot to see, but I realized that international rallies are tough in every aspect – be it the difficulty level, terrain, altitude or weather conditions.