Known for cycling 100 km daily for over 1,000 days, Anil Kadsur's death due to cardiac arrest is raising concerns regarding over-exercising.
Published Feb 03, 2024 | 3:48 PM ⚊ Updated Feb 03, 2024 | 3:48 PM
Fitness expert, cycling enthusiast Anil Kadsur died of massive heart attack on Friday morning. Internet mourns his death (supplied)
He was the epitome of discipline, fitness, enthusiasm, commitment, and inspiration.
On 31 January, Anil Kadsur posted his enviable feat on social media. He had completed 42 months of back-to-back daily 100 km cycle rides!
The same night, the 45-year-old complained of uneasiness and was hospitalised. He did not return home. Kadsur died of a cardiac arrest on Friday, 2 February, morning, a piece of news that cycling enthusiasts found hard to digest.
Known for his extraordinary feat of cycling 100 km daily for over 1,000 days, Kadsur became an inspiration for the cycling community in Bengaluru. His dedication set records and influenced many to embrace cycling and fitness.
His sudden demise has left a void in the hearts of enthusiasts and sparked conversations about the balance between intense physical activity and health.
Several cycling enthusiasts, politicians, doctors, fitness experts, and even ordinary Bengalureans took to X to mourn his loss.
Bhaskar Rao, former police commissioner and BJP leader said, “Anil, how can you go away so soon…an epitome of fitness, enthusiasm and commitment…cycling, cycling and more cycling…so young with huge plans…life is cruel and unpredictable…leaves behind a huge legacy…valuable lesson you have taught us on health care with your supreme sacrifice…peace to his soul strength to family…om Shanti,” read the post.
Anil, how can you go away so soon… an epitome of fitness, enthusiasm, and commitment.. cycling, cycling and more cycling…. So young with huge plans.. life is cruel and unpredictable.. leaves behind a huge legacy… The valuable lesson you have taught us on health care with your… pic.twitter.com/f0aUUBDLhj
— Bhaskar Rao (@Nimmabhaskar22) February 2, 2024
BJP MP Tejasvi Surya was equally saddened.
“Saddened to know about the passing away of cyclist Anil Kadsur. Anil, fondly called the Century Rider for riding 100km daily for the last 1,500 days, was well-known figure in Bengaluru South & a fitness icon for many youngsters like me. Many of us would have even seen him ride around the city,” Surya wrote on X.
Saddened to know about the passing away of cyclist Anil Kadsur.
Anil, fondly called the Century Rider for riding 100km daily for the last 1,500 days, was well-known figure in Bengaluru South & a fitness icon for many youngsters like me. Many of us would have even seen him ride… pic.twitter.com/jr7jz3frJS
— Tejasvi Surya (ಮೋದಿಯ ಪರಿವಾರ) (@Tejasvi_Surya) February 3, 2024
Anil Kadsur, a Bengaluru-based physical trainer known as Cycle Yogi, Cycle Guru shot to fame and caught the attention of the cycling community in August.
What began as a challenge to ride 100 km for nine consecutive days on 2 August 2020 became a routine for Kadsur, as continued riding.
The challenge turned into a personal mission. Surprised by his capability to pedal the distance with ease despite a long Covid break, Kadsur’s initial nine-day challenge evolved into an enduring passion, leading him to cycle 100 km daily for over 1,000 days.
Media-shy Kadsur had said in some rare interviews that his dedication to cycling was not just about personal achievement; it was his way of coping with the negativity he experienced during the pandemic.
His commitment to fitness and cycling began years before his impressive streak. He initially took up running after moving to Bengaluru about 19 years ago, and he incorporated cycling into his routine about 13 years ago as part of his cross-training while still in the corporate world.
Eventually, Kadsur’s love for cycling and desire for personal growth led him to transition from a corporate career to a fitness trainer seven years ago.
Kadsur faced mishaps and had to navigate the restrictions imposed by the Bengaluru lockdown, yet he remained undeterred, sticking to his routine of daily long-distance rides.
His story of resilience and passion for cycling transcended personal achievement, inspiring many in the cycling community and beyond.
Kadsur’s approach to fitness, focusing on consistency and enjoyment of the process, along with his ability to balance his rigorous cycling regimen with his responsibilities as a fitness trainer, showcased his dedication to his health and to others.
His recent social media post, unfortunately, had celebrated marking 1,250 century rides—a feat that caught the admiration of cyclists nationwide.
Kadasur’s impact was profound. Cyclists across the city looked forward to meeting him, and finding motivation in his unwavering spirit. His approach to cycling was more than a sport; it was a way of life that he embraced wholeheartedly, inspiring others to follow suit.
Dr Savitha Naik, Professor of Government Dental College in Bengaluru, and a cycle enthusiast, covered covered 200km in 13.5 hours in 2022 and dedicated her first 100 km ride to him.
“Anil Kadsur, Cycle Yogi, Cycle Guru, inspired trained thousands of cycle enthusiasts. I am one among them. He’s got unbelievable discipline and consistency to ride 100km every day for 42 months,” Dr Naik told South First.
“My first 100 km ride was dedicated to him as ‘Kadsur Meter’. We have lost a legend. The whole cycling community will miss him, he will be in our hearts forever,” she said.
Vigils and memorial rides are being organised to honor his memory, with cyclists coming together to pay tribute to a man who pushed the limits of endurance and inspired a generation.
“Kadsur’s legacy will live on, not just in the records he had set but in the hearts he had touched and the community he had nurtured,” she said.
Citizens Movement, East Bengaluru took to X and said, Om Shanti, Anil Kadsur, “Anil epitomised fitness in Bengaluru, cycling 100km daily for the past 1500+ days. His sudden departure, attributed to a massive cardiac arrest, reminds us of the unpredictability of such events. Anil’s legacy lies in his strength, flexibility, and the inspiration he bestowed upon a generation….” the post continued to also discuss the cardiac arrests and the importance of taking care of the heart’s health.
Om Shanti, Anil Kadsur! 🙏
Anil epitomized fitness in Bengaluru, cycling 100km daily for the past 1500+ days. His sudden departure, attributed to a massive cardiac arrest, reminds us of the unpredictability of such events. Anil’s legacy lies in his strength, flexibility, and the… pic.twitter.com/C44TDPvlLx— Citizens Movement, East Bengaluru (@east_bengaluru) February 3, 2024
Another post by Deepak Majipatil, who called him solillada saradara (indomitable) said, “Deeply saddened by the loss of the legendary cyclist from Bangalore. His passion for the sport inspired many. May his memory ride on in the hearts of all who admired him. Rest in peace Anil S Kadsur.”
However, Kadsur’s passing has also sparked a conversation about the balance between extreme physical exertion and health.
While his achievements are commendable, they serve as a poignant reminder of the physical demands such feats entail.
Conveying condolence to Kadsur’s family, friends and followers. neurologist Dr Sudhir Kumar from Apollo Hospital in Hyderabad wrote on X: “We cannot get Anil Sahab back, however, it gives us a moment to reflect on what could have gone wrong in such a super athlete,”
He emphasised that while exercise has initial benefits, exceeding a certain threshold can lead to adverse health effects and increased mortality risk.
This phenomenon is described as a U-shaped curve in exercise impact. He explained that Kadsur’s relentless 100 km daily cycling regimen, without rest days, might have surpassed the optimal exercise limit.
Citing from one of Anil Kadsur’s old posts, Dr Kumar said, “He had been cycling daily for the past 42 months. His mileage was 100 km every day.”
Analysing further, Dr Kumar explained, where he might have gone wrong.
Suggestions:
