Shakar Yakthumba, one of Nepal’s prominent mountain bike riders, is currently injured. And he says he can’t wait to get back into action. After going through a rough start as a pro DH biker back in 2011, in the National MTB DH series, he quickly shot through ranks, and ultimately topped the race this year. The Post’s Gaurav Pote talks to the National MTB DH champion about his career, his motivation, and the challenges he faces during this adventure sport. Excerpts:

What keeps you busy these days?

My studies and training. Apart from that, finding and building new trails all over Nepal takes most of my time.

Were you as athletic in your school days as you are now?

Absolutely. I was part of my school’s football, swimming, and volleyball team. You could say sports was in by blood from the very beginning.

So how come you ride mountain bikes downhill instead of playing with a ball in the field?

When I first rode a mountain bike at 16, I didn’t like it much. But Nirakar Yakthumba, my uncle who is quite keen about mountain biking, insisted that I keep on riding. He even took me with him on his weekend rides. I started enjoying the rides more. Practicing jumps, bunny hops, trying out wheelies, and tackling gnarly trails all made riding pretty difficult for me, but it was also quite interesting in a sense that it challenged me not to give up, to try harder, and hone my skills. Two years later, when I turned 18, I was already a pro!

What appeals to you the most about Downhill Mountain biking?

There is something about this sport that makes me feel alive. Every minute I’m on the bike keeps me sharp between the ears, even while cruising through the roughest of terrains. I can’t precisely put it to words, but I think it’s part passion and part the challenges I need to overcome that keeps me going. Another appeal of it is that you can just put your gears on, hop on a bike, and set out on the journey; it’s an exciting sport that doesn’t require other players or, in this case, riders, but, of course, the more the merrier. And, even if you’re living in Kathmandu, there are so many trials to explore around the city, which usually takes you to beautiful, secluded places and villages that you probably would’ve never seen otherwise.

How do you deal with the physical risks associated with this sport?

Well, we do put on safety gear before we set out. Gear to protect all parts of our body is found but it depends on the rider when it comes to choosing what gear to wear. Insurance is also a big part of it, as injuries tend to occur more once we go pro.

Can you recall any interesting or memorable incident/s?

On the top of my head, I can best recall fracturing my wrist on two occasions. I recently injured my collarbone during training so I had to undergo a surgery. Please, don’t get me wrong but that’s what I could recall the quickest. Injuries are part of this sport.

How do you get prepared for a tournament?

We strictly follow our training programmes prior to the tournaments. I personally train for up to five hours a day but I do squeeze in a day or two to rest in between. My training regimen includes cross training, lifting, XC riding, pump track, and, not to forget, a proper diet.

Tell us about some of the titles you have won so far.

I ended 12th in the 2011 National MTB DH series. I then came third consecutively for three years until 2015, when I finally won the race. Apart from the national mountain bike races, I have also competed in Asian Championships: One in 2013, in China, which I finished 20th; the other in Malaysia, in 2015—I crashed in that one.

What do you usually do when you’re not riding?

I recently graduated from Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management (NATHM). I currently work as a mountain bike guide. Besides work, I am training to get into social marketing.

Do you plan to stick to Downhill Mountain biking, or will you explore other adventure sports in days to come?

I am definitely going to stick to it, although I do have a lot of goals to be achieved in my list. But I’d like to try out other adventure sports, too. Surfing, snow-boarding or motocross ought to be fun, I reckon.