AHILLAN MANI

What do you like most about being a student-athlete at MSA?

I appreciate being in an environment where sports are given equal importance to academics, so that I can pursue my athletic ambitions while being provided the necessary support. I enjoy the breadth of facilities and opportunities available to student-athletes on and off campus.

What is your favorite class at MSA and what do you like about it?

My favorite class is AP Physics, as I really enjoy the range of concepts covered in the class, as well as the depth and variety of contexts that these subjects are explored in. It is great to be able to draw parallels between theoretical principles and real life occurrences, such as diving into the physics behind the “watts” I’m putting out on the bike:)

What is your favorite race of the year and why?

It has to be the Tour de France as I grew up watching it every year with my Dad, so it holds a special place personally. There has never been a year of The Tour that wasn’t a riveting roller coaster of a journey throughout its 21 stages.

What is your favorite training ride/route and why?

Going to Afton is probably my favorite training ride, as it reminds me of a regular ride up a similar climb I would do back home. Afton Mountain never gets old and I can always mix up the route depending on what kind of ride I have planned, while retaining a sense of consistency in my training.

What are your pre-race rituals/routines?

I like to take a quick cold shower the morning of my race, and have a big breakfast at least two hours before I'm on the start line. I try to think about my goals for the race in the hours leading up to it. 

List 3 songs on your pre-race playlist:

Have never listened to music before a race, prefer to get my mind focused and ready by breaking down the task at hand!

Any other interesting things about you that you’d like to share?

I rode a road bike with sneakers for 3 years?