Raj Kumar is one of the young and upcoming Mountain Bike riders in Nepal. He’s fast, fun and friendly and many younger riders aspire to ride like him. Shy at first, once you get to know him, you will soon see the appeal of this charismatic kid who can fly down hills like a monsoon torrents and ride up them faster than you can on your motor bike! At just 21 years of age, he has limitless scope to become a true champion of the future, with the right sponsorship and training, he can go a long way.
He is active in promoting mountain biking amongst the youth of Nepal, attending schools to demonstration about mountain biking, leading daily riders for amateur riders to experience the many tracks and trails around the Kathmandu Valley and helping young riders improve their bikes and riding techniques. Raj Kumar has huge potential
to become an ambassador for the future of mountain biking in Nepal.HISTORY - Raj Kumar is a success story waiting to happen. He was born in Kathmandu and grew up without an education. Living in a family of six, it was always hard to make ends meet and he began working in a screen printers shop as soon as he was old enough. He never had a cycle as a boy and always envied those on the streets who had them. After four years at the screen printers, he went and got a job in a Cycle Shop. His limited English and education was a hurdle he had to overcome to learn mechanic skills and how to interact with tourists.
From here he grew the desire to ride and race. At first having no money he used his friend’s bike to ride and train. Riding a mountain bike for the first time is always an adventure, finding tails to ride, falling down and learning techniques by watchin
g other riders and following behind. THE FINICAL STRUGGLE - In 2006 Raj Kumar managed to buy his first bike which cost 3,000 nrs for a Giant Bike. It soon became apparent to others that Raj Kumar was going to be a good rider. He debuted in the 2006 Nepal Mountain Bike Championships with 6th place in the junior section, followed by 3rd place in The Epic Mountain Bike Cross Country Race and finally a win in the Junior Section of the 2007 Tharayan TAAN Mountain Bike Race. Looking to improve his bike, an American rider, Tyler helped Raj to by a new and lighter frame, V-Ket to replace is old bike.
But finical problems are always a hurdle for a mountain biker in Nepal especially when looking after the family must come first. Raj Kumar continued to race with mixed results, all top ten 
finishes until his frame broke. He had to wait some six months to save the money to by his current Laiperre frame which he brought himself for 8,500nrs.
finishes until his frame broke. He had to wait some six months to save the money to by his current Laiperre frame which he brought himself for 8,500nrs.Now Raj Kumar works in Biking First and after a good performance in the first two races of 2010 he has been sponsored for Hydraulic Disc breaks for his bike. Slowly he is building a fast and light race bike that can help him perform at his very best. Every day he is building his confidence in riding, working, mechanic skills and also speaking English. He rides everyday and his biggest desire is to ride for his country Nepal and help to promote and develop mountain biking for future generations.
RACE HISTORY
Laxmi Cares Mountain Bike Race April 2010 – 1st Place
Sankhu Mountain Bike Race Feb 2010 – 3rd Place
Nepal National Championship 2009– 7th Place
Laxmi Cares Mountain Bike Race 2009 – 4th Place
Eco Challenge 2008 - 1st Place
Thuraya TAAN MTB Championships 2008– 6th Place
Nepal Mountain Bike Race 2007 – 1st Place
Bagmati River Festival Race 2007 – 3rd Place
TAAN MTB Championships 2007 – 1st Place (Junior)
Epic Cross Country Race 2007 – 3rd Place
7th Nepal Mountain Bike Championships 2006 – 6th Place
No comments:
Post a Comment