Being just a street rider junkie who used to commute from one place to another has changed the life of Faz Adhili. Started riding back when he was in UiTM Lendu Melaka, never in his whole life he would ever imagine himself travelling, thrusting winds, competing with all the pros from all around the world. He turned serious with 2-wheels in 2009 as an amateur, with numbers of triumph in and out of the country. We sat down with the man himself for a little chit-chat about his hobby and what he does besides riding.

1. So tell us a brief background of yourself and what you do now?

Hi, I’m Faz Adhili, 25 years old. I’m a designer and a pro fixed gear cyclist for Team Cinelli Chrome and I love my mom

2. When did you start riding and how did you get into it?

Back then in college (UiTM Lendu, Melaka) bicycle was the most convenience way to commute to class. All of my friends laughed at me when I was sweaty as hell, but I laugh back on their faces because it took them 30-40 minute just to find a parking space. Cianz.

3. And your biggest achievement so far?

I won Holycrit (Singapore) 7 times which in one of those races, I won a sprint against the recent bronze medalist in Sea Games. Also I’m the first Asian to qualify in Red Hook Crit finals (Barcelona, Milan and New York).

4. What are your influences when you first pick up cycling?

When I first started, I was really into street kind of riding by the MASH SF and Macaframa. They have inspired me a lot since day one. They way the bomb the traffic and down all the steep hills in San Francisco is totally insane mayneee. Not only for me, but I’m sure pretty much everyone who ride fixed gear bike in the rest of the world. And then I had a chance to race with Azizul Hasni Awang aka The Pocket Rocket Man in Jakarta Indonesia 5 years ago. That was my turning point to start racing competitively.

5. Apart from cycling, what other things that you do?

I’m a graphic designer, photographer and a filmmaker. I’m not gonna mentioned for which company but you might be wearing a jersey kit or a t-shirt designed by me

6. Congratulations on turning pro in the Team Cinelli Chrome. Tell us about it.

Thanks bro! It was all started when I met the owner of Cinelli from Milan himself, Mr. Antonio Colombo and his lovely wife Alessandra Cusatelli who is apparently their art director in Singapore. They’re there for a vacation and the crew in Singapore has organized a race to welcome them. It was an illegal race which I won for the 5th time in a row. I guess I managed to impress Mr. Antonio and we had a short meeting the next day before I went back home. I was tied up with another bag sponsor from Korea (T-Level) so I can’t be signing a new contract with Chrome bags which only allowed me to ride to Cinelli and not Cinelli Chrome. So we had to discuss in details before I end my contract with T-Level. I was an independent rider for about a few months and at the end of the year (2014) they offered me a contract with Cinelli Chrome. So, I’m in! I’m beyond stoked to be the only Asian and to ride alongside the best riders in the world! Special shout out to my family and friends at Pestle Mortar Clothing, The Grumpy Cyclist and Bike Tech Subang who had supported my journey along the way before I made it. I won’t make it without their help.

7. What you usually do before the race? Any pre-race rituals?

I’ll listen to some music and try to get some nap if possible. This ritual usually will help me to relax. I’m always nervous before any race!

8. How often do you train? What is the biggest challenge for you?

Urm, 5-6 times a week. I do a lot of interval and strength training during weekdays because my main focus is in criterium race and usually a longer rides during the weekends. My biggest challenge so far is to close the gap between me and the European racer which I’m still trying. There’s a huge gap between Asian and European cycling in terms of competition level. But I do believe we all can do it because we’re all human. So if the other guy can do it, why can’t we. Right?

9. From your personal opinion, does cycling burns belly fats? hahaha

IT’S THE BEST WAY TO LOSE WEIGHT MAYNEEE. I was 69 kg before I first started cycling and I’m now 55 kg. Even my younger brother was 120kg and he lost 30kg a few month after he started cycling. Imagine you can burn up until 1000 calories if you ride 40km or 1-2 hours of cycling. Who need a fat burner and damage your kidney when you can ride a bicycle?

10. Any last words for those who just want to start pick up cycling?

First of all I would like to thank my family especially my mom, my supportive sponsors and friends who have always been there supporting since day one. I can’t make it without you guys. And for those who’s riding out there, dream big, ride hard, ride safe and stay true. If you’re passionate and work hard enough in whatever you’re doing, Insha Allah you’ll get something in return. Not to forget MASSES for having me for this interview. Malaysia Boleh!

p/s: Faz Adhili will be part of the national team for the Sea Games Kuala Lumpur 2017.