In a pioneering moment for Indian sports, Shillong’s own Anissa Lamare has officially become India’s first woman downhill mountain biker. The 28-year-old from Meghalaya has carved a path in one of the world’s most extreme and male-dominated cycling disciplines, breaking barriers through sheer grit and unwavering determination.
Lamare began her mountain biking journey in December 2015, venturing into a sport that had virtually no professional infrastructure or female competitors in the country. Often training on her own without access to proper trails or coaching support, she competed for years in the men’s category as the lone woman at the starting line.
“I wasn’t just racing, I was paving the way for others,” Lamare told PTI, a statement that underscores her trailblazing spirit.
Her breakthrough came on the international stage, where she competed against seasoned athletes from across Asia. In October 2023, she represented India in the Elite Downhill category at the Asian Continental Mountain Bike Championships in Kerala, finishing a commendable ninth in her debut. She later secured a silver medal in the Open Women’s category at the Pokhara Enduro Race in Nepal, further solidifying her reputation.
Beyond her athletic pursuits, Lamare is also an entrepreneur. In 2021, she co-founded Pedal Compass, a mountain bike shop in Shillong, which has since become a community hub for local cycling enthusiasts. Through her business, she aims to develop dedicated biking trails in Meghalaya and mentor the next generation of riders, particularly young girls, showing them that the view from the top is for everyone.
