TVS YMRP 2025 Round 2: Crashes, Struggles And Lessons
From crashes and false starts to a lonely race, round 2 tested me harder than ever before and here’s how it went…
After finishing seventh in the opening round, I put some extra pressure on myself to do better in the second round of the 2025 TVS Young Media Racer Program. What unfolded across the weekend was a mix of frustration, self-doubt, and some hard but valuable lessons.
Practice Turns Into Pain
Practice started well. I felt sharper, smoother, and more confident on the bike than before. But as I was getting into a rhythm… Bam… I lowsided. I got too close to a slow rider into perhaps the slowest part of the track and to avoid crashing into him, I panicked and grabbed a handful of the front brake. The bike, surprisingly, flipped over me, maybe the pegs caught into the tarmac for such an action movie-esque scene to take place. I had only myself to blame. It shook me, but I reminded myself that there was still qualifying to fight for.
Qualifying was a strange blend of highs and lows. On one hand, I was the fastest I had ever been on this track, setting my best laps yet. On the other hand, another small mistake led to another lowside, at virtually the same spot. Sliding across the tarmac was embarrassing, lap times I had set until then helped me eighth on the grid. Not the best that I could have done but considering everything that had taken place in the day, not the worst either.
False Start, Shaky Heart
Race day arrived with nerves at their peak. On the formation lap itself, I got a small scare when another rider fell right in front of me. I somehow managed to thread my way between him and his fallen bike, but that close call petrified me. I had to quickly settle down because the real race start was only moments away.
On the grid, with my heart still pounding, I made a false start. Out of instinct, I corrected it, something I now know I should not have done. The tension was unbearable; I felt like I had blown it before the lights even went out.
When the race finally began, I was already behind and fighting to recover. I had the pace to stay ahead of the riders chasing me, but once again, the race-spec Apache RTR 200 4V let me down, losing steam in fifth gear, something that bugged me in round one also. With every lap, the gap to the riders ahead grew larger, turning it into one of the loneliest races I have ever ridden.
Lessons From A Lonely Ride
In that loneliness, however, I found something valuable. I had the time to focus on my racing lines, to ride cleaner, and to reflect. It was frustrating to watch the distance ahead grow, but strangely, the solitude also brought clarity. By the time I crossed the chequered flag, still in eighth, I wasn’t proud, but I wasn’t broken either.
Race control later called me in to explain the false start. They made it clear how dangerous it was to correct myself on the grid, not only for me but for everyone around me. Another tough lesson, but one that will stay with me.
The weekend was a rollercoaster of emotions: two crashes in practice and qualifying, a false start, mechanical problems, and a lonely race. Yet I also found consistency, a clearer sense of what not to do, and above all, the hunger to push harder. As I look forward to the third and final round, I know I cannot afford mistakes. I do not just want to ride anymore. I want to truly race.
2024 TVS Apache RTR 200 4V User Reviews
The bike has good power with good top end and the best mileage in the 200 cc category. I have taken bike in long trips like 500kms plus and has performed exceptionally well. The seat front and back has been extra cushioned for more comfort. Best choice for entry level high pickup bike. Tyres are perfect for city riding and highway.
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The TVS Apache RTR 200 4V is a very cool bike and bike future are very amezing the sports mode love it mined blowing totaly worthy 😍😍 this bike under your budget and lot's of features you just buy this bike and you realise this is a awesome bike they have fully automatic bike control with your phone very amezing.
Very reliable and comfortable seat great for city rides and even cruise at 100kmph easily can use in long rides too milage is superior and no extra modifications needed come with a good headlight through that makes nearly a day in night and the suspension is tuned so perfectly that it make u comfortable in city and confident on highway and corners .