Fresh from the UCI Track Champions League round in Apeldoorn, and ahead of the London round this weekend (6th and 7th December) at Lee Valley Velopark, we catch up for a chat with Merlin sponsored rider Jair. A 31 year old track cyclist from Suriname and is currently 9th in the League standings ahead of the London event.
Jair, great to meet you. Tell us a bit about yourself – where you are from and your riding background?
Well I am from Suriname and I started cycling when I was 13. I did my first track race that year as well which was in Trinidad and I loved it ever since. But we don’t have a track in Suriname so I had to ride on the road until I got the oopurtunity to move to miami at 17 which is when I switched to the track
Did you always want to be a cyclist?
I did a lot sports before I started cycling. Cycling wasn’t a very popular sport in Suriname so I didn’t know it actually existed. But I always loved being on the bike even when I was a child.
Track Champions League – whats this? Whats involved?
Track champions league is just a “normal” track competition with a way more showman ship attached to it. Which makes a bit more exciting and more interesting to watch.
What are your aims for the Champions League?
I’ve had long and hard season behind me with the Olympics and World Championships so for this I really just want to enjoy the rides and do my best.
Once Track season is over, what do you do? Do you cycle in any other disciplines?
Is track ever over though? Haha. Well but when I do have off I’m not on the bike or I try not to be. Usually go for hikes, camping or just go explore and take pictures
What cyclist do you see as your hero?
I don’t think I have a cycling hero actually. I do look up to a lot of athletes not in cycling necessarily
Favourite race to watch?
My favorite race to watch would be the sprint and keirin. I also like the madison a lot.
Favourite meal to eat on race day?
I can’t really eat when I race. Just doesn’t really go down my stomach but I’d say oatmeal with walnuts, pecan, raisins and some honey. That always hits the spot for breakfast.
How do you relax when not racing?
I mostly just go around and explore. I love outdoors
What does a race day look like for you – what are your routines?
My race day routines. I love taking my time in the morning ( have a coffee, chill etc) so I usually wake up quite early. I get to the race venue around 2 hours before the race. I start my warm up 1:30hrs before with a 25 min roller session, with music obviously. Mostly Afrobeats, dancehall and reggae. Then do a track and or Lemond effort, depends on the day. And then that’s it. And have another coffee possibly.
Jair, it has been fantastic to get an insight into your life, and everyone at Merlin Cycles wishes you the best for the London rounds and for the future!
A keen cyclist, I've ridden everything from road, track, mountain and gravel. Currently riding on the gravel bike the most around the local trails of Rivington.
Can usually be found having a beer post-ride at the local brewery.
