Kezia Varghese Makes History with Elite Coaching Milestone in Switzerland
Former international cyclist Kezia Varghese makes history by completing the UCI's first all-women elite coaching course in Switzerland.
In a monumental achievement for Indian sports, former international cyclist Kezia Varghese has successfully completed the International Cycling Federation’s (UCI) first-ever all-women Level 3 Coaching Course for elite coaches. The intensive program took place at the UCI headquarters in Aigle, Switzerland, marking a significant step forward for women in high-performance sports coaching.
A Rare Opportunity via Olympic Solidarity
The 35-year-old Kochi native secured her place in this prestigious program through the International Olympic Committee (IOC) initiative known as the Olympic Solidarity Scholarship. This scholarship is designed to empower athletes, coaches, and sports professionals from diverse nations, providing them with access to world-class expertise.
Kezia was one of only 12 women selected globally to participate in this specialized course. Reflecting on her time at the World Cycling Centre, she described the three-week experience as an extraordinary learning journey that provided invaluable insights into the highest levels of the sport.
From Medalist to Elite Mentor
Kezia Varghese’s journey from the saddle to the sidelines is defined by a decorated career. Before transitioning to coaching, she amassed an impressive collection of accolades, including:
- 6 International Medals
- 84 National Medals
Since retiring from professional cycling, she has dedicated herself to the craft of coaching, having already completed her UCI Level 1 and 2 courses. For the past four years, she has served as a State coach, preparing her for this advanced international certification.
Bridging the Global Infrastructure Gap
The UCI’s decision to host such specialized courses aims to level the playing field for nations that lack high-end training facilities. Jacques Landry, Director of the World Cycling Centre, highlighted the importance of this mission, noting that the organization strives to support coaches and athletes from regions where access to elite infrastructure is limited.
Landry also noted the rising momentum of the sport in the subcontinent, stating, "Over the last few months, there is a lot of buzz around cycling in India, and we are delighted that another Indian coach could be part of one of our special courses."
A Vision for India’s Podium Success
With her new expertise, Kezia is focused on translating her technical knowledge into tangible results for Indian cyclists. She noted that the advanced curriculum provided her with sophisticated tools for athlete development, specifically in the areas of:
- Advanced training session planning and structuring
- Periodization techniques for long-term athletic gains
- Collaborative knowledge sharing with global peers
Expressing her gratitude to the Cycling Federation of India, Kezia shared her ultimate ambition: "I will now strive even harder to see India on the podium in major international events. I hope to use my own experience and the knowledge that I have gained at this course to contribute to Indian cycling and help our riders perform better."