Shocking! Junior World Champion Cyclist Esow Alben Struck By Speeding Bikers During Practice, Narrowly Escapes Serious Injury; Video

Esow Alben, India’s first World Championship medallist at any level, suffered minor injuries after being struck from behind by two bikers during a road training session near the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex in New Delhi on Wednesday.

The 24-year-old, who hails from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and trains at the SAI Cycling Academy, recounted the incident in a detailed Instagram post. He said he was riding “in his lane” and maintaining discipline when the bikers, allegedly speeding at over 100 kmph, crashed into him.

Alongside his post, Esow uploaded a video of a heated exchange with the two bikers involved. While they accused him of “riding in the middle of the road,” bystanders were heard defending Esow. The video also showed his damaged bicycle, with the rear wheel broken from the impact.

Esow also shared photos of his injuries, including bruises on his hands and hip.

“I’m grateful to be safe, with only a few scratches. Thank you to my coach, team coach, and the officer who stood by me and are helping with the investigation,” he wrote in his caption.

“This could’ve been worse not just for me, but for any cyclist on the road. To everyone out there: We cyclists are not in your way. We are humans. We are athletes. We represent our nation. Respect cyclists. Give us space. Give us safety.”

The Cycling Federation of India responded to the incident, downplaying the severity and confirming that Esow had received first aid and was doing well.

“He (Esow) has been given first aid and he is fine now. It was a minor accident and he is at his room. He should be able to train again tomorrow,” CFI Secretary General Maninder Pal Singh told PTI. “He was on a routine training ride on the road (near IG Sports Complex). He was behind a bus and then hit by a bike.”

About Esow Alben

Esow, who trains at the UCI-recognized velodrome within the IG Sports Complex, made history in 2018 by becoming the first Indian cyclist to win a medal at the Junior Track World Championships—a silver in the keirin event. In the 2019 edition, he returned to the podium with a silver in the sprint and a bronze in keirin, further establishing his name in Indian cycling history.

Published on: Thursday, May 15, 2025, 09:56 AM IST