Hello! Today, I’d like to introduce you to one of the brightest young talents to come out of Ankara—Çınar Serdaroğlu. Though he’s only 17, Çınar has already begun making a name for himself in mountain biking across Turkey. With both his achievements and his character, he’s an inspiring and radiant young athlete. Let’s dive into the story of this determined rider together.
A Childhood Passion for Biking
Çınar’s journey with cycling began at a young age—what he describes as “the feeling of freedom on two wheels.” Born and raised in Ankara, he was introduced to the sport by his father, Ediz Serdaroğlu, a former cyclist himself. In their home, cycling was more than a hobby—it was part of their culture. On weekends, father and son would ride through forest trails and countryside roads. In fact, in 2022, they competed side by side in a mountain bike race, proudly representing their team together. This early support from his family helped solidify Çınar’s passion for the sport.
He received his foundational training under the roof of the Cycling Academy in Ankara. Even as a primary school student, he was attending training sessions with his peers, learning balanced riding techniques. Coaches at the Academy quickly noticed that Çınar stood out—not just for his talent, but also for his dedication. Before long, he was competing in the “minik” and “yıldız” youth categories. At just 15, he claimed his first major victory by winning the youth male division at an international MTB championship held near Lake Bafa in Muğla. Achieving such a milestone so early in his high school years was a clear signal of what lay ahead for Çınar.
Major Achievements at a Young Age
Over the years, Çınar continued to rise. In the 2023 and 2024 seasons, he consistently reached the podium in many domestic competitions. Notably, in 2024, he earned a silver medal in the Youth Category of the Turkish Mountain Biking Championship, held on a tough course in Erzurum. That same year, he secured first-place finishes in challenging MTB Cup stages in Sakarya and Mardin. After each race, he set new goals and kept pushing forward.
But 2025 truly became Çınar’s breakout year. The season kicked off with a victory in the Yunus Emre MTB Cup in Manisa, where he claimed the youth title. Shortly after, he won his hometown race—the Ankara MTB Cup—motivated by the pride of competing on home soil. What made that race even more special was that it fell on Mother’s Day; Çınar dedicated the gold medal to his greatest supporter, his mother Kıvılcım Serdaroğlu, winning all our hearts. Later that summer, he added yet another victory at the Gebze MTB Cup in Kocaeli, marking his third consecutive triumph. These victories cemented Çınar’s place as one of the top youth cyclists in Turkey.
Here’s a summary of some of Çınar’s most notable recent achievements:
- 2022 – International Bafa MTB Championship (Youth): 🥇1st Place (Category Champion)
- 2024 – Turkish National Championship (Youth): 🥈2nd Place (Silver Medal)
- 2024 – Sakarya MTB Cup (Youth): 🥇1st Place (C2 Race Winner)
- 2025 – Yunus Emre MTB Cup – Manisa (Youth): 🥇1st Place
- 2025 – Ankara MTB Cup (Youth): 🥇1st Place
- 2025 – Gebze MTB Cup – Kocaeli (Youth): 🥇1st Place
- 2025 – The Wild Track XCO – Bulgaria (Youth): 🥉3rd Place (International Bronze Medal)
As you can see, even though he is still competing in youth categories, Çınar has already collected multiple medals and trophies on both national and international stages. And this list will only grow in the years to come.
Discipline, Determination, and Family Support
Behind these accomplishments lies immense effort, discipline, and perseverance. Çınar trains almost every day of the week—often pedaling through Ankara’s bitter early-morning cold. While most of his peers are relaxing on vacation, he’s at training camps or experimenting with new techniques to improve his performance. For instance, I was amazed to hear that he once practiced cycling on ice to improve his balance—just one example of his openness to innovation and relentless work ethic.
One of the biggest reasons for his success is the unwavering support of his family. His parents are always his strongest supporters. You’ll often find his mother, Kıvılcım, front and center at his races, cheering him on with pride. Watching her place a medal around her son’s neck is a moment filled with emotion. His father, Ediz, is both a mentor and a training partner. The two have even shared the podium together. This bond and support system at home give Çınar strength during challenging times. He frequently says, “My family plays a huge role in my success—I work harder because I don’t want to disappoint them.”
His teammates and coaches also describe him as disciplined and humble. He never gives up during training, always pushes for one more lap, and truly values team spirit. Despite his many successes, he remains kind, eager to learn, and respectful to those around him. I believe these character traits are what make Çınar so well-loved and admired at such a young age.
National Team & Future Goals
Naturally, his success caught the attention of national team coaches. Before even turning 17, Çınar earned a spot on the Turkish Youth National Mountain Biking Team and proudly wore the national jersey. In 2025, he was part of the Turkish delegation to the European Mountain Bike Championship held in Portugal. He later described the honor of wearing the crescent-star jersey as indescribable. The intense training camp with the national team helped him grow immensely—both as an athlete and as a person. “Racing for the national team gives me extra motivation,” he said. “I want to represent my country in the best way possible.”
Çınar is currently continuing his career with MCT Nox Sports Club, Turkey’s first and only UCI-certified professional MTB team. As one of the youngest members on the team, he trains alongside elite riders and experienced coaches. Being in such an environment at a young age has accelerated his development tremendously. Now competing on international circuits, Çınar has broken into the top 100 of the global youth rankings—an incredible feat. Think about it: among hundreds of mountain bikers from around the world, a Turkish athlete ranks 91st in the youth category.
So what are Çınar’s goals going forward? According to him, his first priority is to win the national championship in the youth category—he already has the silver, and now he’s aiming for gold. Then he sets his sights on international success: medals at European and World Championships, and eventually competing in the World Cup as an elite rider. One of his biggest dreams? To wave the Turkish flag at the Olympics. These might sound like lofty goals, but after seeing Çınar’s determination, you truly believe he’ll make them happen.
And while chasing these dreams, he hasn’t neglected his education. Çınar is a diligent student at his school in Ankara. His teachers and classmates are proud of his accomplishments, and they welcome him back from races like a local hero. His ability to balance sport and school so well speaks to his sense of responsibility and planning.
An Inspiring Journey
Çınar Serdaroğlu’s story is truly inspiring for young athletes. It proves that with hard work and passion, anything is possible. What started as a childhood hobby in Ankara has taken him to international podiums. When you speak with him, you can tell that while he dreams big, his feet are firmly planted on the ground. After each victory, he immediately focuses on the next goal. He has already become a role model for his peers and aspiring young riders. Don’t be surprised if you hear the phrase “Be like Çınar” in the cycling world—it’s a testament to his discipline, humility, and ambition.
Personally, I feel incredibly lucky to know Çınar and to witness his journey. His energy and passion are contagious. I have no doubt that we’ll be hearing even bigger success stories from him in the future. Who knows—maybe we’ll see him standing on the World Championship podium or competing at the Olympics in a few years. One thing is certain: we’ll be hearing the name Çınar Serdaroğlu more and more.
For now, I’ll end his story here and wish him the best of luck in his upcoming races and future endeavors. May your pedals always take you to great places, Çınar! 🚴♂️
NOTE: This article was prepared by birbaskaspor.com