Srinagar: Kashmir’s ace cyclist and two-time Guinness World Record holder Adil Teli has left for Japan to participate in the prestigious UCI Gran Fondo World Series, where he will compete against cyclists from across the world.
Teli earned his qualification for the championship through his performance at the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycling Challenge in February 2026, securing his place among the qualifiers for the international event.
A native of Kashmir, Teli has emerged as one of the region’s most prominent cyclists, gaining recognition for his extraordinary endurance and long-distance cycling achievements. He has previously etched his name in the Guinness World Records twice, further establishing himself as a cyclist capable of competing at the highest level of endurance cycling.
His international cycling journey has taken him to countries including Australia and the UAE, where he has participated in major cycling events and competed alongside riders from different parts of the world. These international races have given him valuable experience and exposure to highly competitive road-cycling environments.
Ahead of the Japan championship, Teli has undergone extensive preparation focused on endurance, climbing, speed and race-specific training. His preparation has been aimed at adapting to the demands of competitive road racing and ensuring he is physically and mentally ready for the challenging course.
Teli’s participation in Japan is another important milestone in his cycling career and provides an opportunity to put Kashmir’s cycling talent on an international platform. His journey also reflects the growing presence of athletes from Jammu and Kashmir in global sporting events.
Speaking ahead of the competition, Teli expressed confidence in his preparation and said he is looking forward to representing Kashmir on the global stage and showcasing the talent and potential of cyclists from the region.
The UCI Gran Fondo World Series is an international series of mass-participation road cycling events that brings together amateur and competitive cyclists from around the world. The series provides riders with an opportunity to qualify for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships and compete on an international platform.
For Teli, the Japan race is not only another international competition but also an opportunity to carry the aspirations of Kashmir’s growing cycling community to one of the world’s biggest stages for amateur road cycling.


