SCOTT Sports India Brand Ambassador Siddhant Chauhan – India’s first Swedeman

SCOTT Sports India Brand Ambassador Siddhant Chauhan became the first Indian and Asian to successfully complete the Swedeman Xtreme Triathlon, held on July 20 in Are, Sweden. Last year, he also successfully completed one of the toughest triathlons in the world - Celtman Extreme Scottish Triathlon and became the first and only Indian to do so. Also an Ironman Certified Triathlon Coach, Siddhant’s journey of becoming a triathlete only began in 2016.

The Swedeman Xtreme Triathlon course features a 3.8 kms swim in Öster-Noren, finishing under Sweden's largest waterfall, 205 km ride gaining a total elevation of 2000 mtrs and a 42.2 km trail run with an elevation gain of 2000 mtrs. Despite an unexpected fall at the start of bike leg, he pushed himself on his SCOTT Plasma through major cramps and winds in the last 60 kms to make the cut-off for the trail run, though unfortunately didn’t make the cut for the high course and the coveted yellow t-shirt.

Being a resident of Gurgaon, Siddhant trained in weather and terrain conditions completely opposite to those at the Swedeman. While the course throws cold temperature (under 16 degrees), winds, rains and significant elevation gain, the conditions for training in Gurgaon were on the other end of spectrum – hot (40-45 degrees), dry and flat. Owing to the riding conditions, he stuck to indoor training for 90% of his key volume for cycling. For running, he incorporated stairs in his apartment complex to get the legs conditioned for elevation gain. Some workouts meant running for 60-120 mins on the stairs in his apartment – loops of ground to 13th floor.

“The Xtri races are challenging and the training for them becomes all the more difficult in the available conditions. The race day was clearly dominated by the Nordic and Europeans training in similar conditions. But I won’t let excuses come in the way to improve my performance and get better. These two races have given me a better understanding of how I need to adapt my training regime to be able to put up a good show on race day. There are no shortcuts and there is no lack in commitment,” added Siddhant.

Siddhant has now set his sights on a qualifying slot at Ironman World Championship and the All Xtri World Championship.