Going back in time...

"I didn't know you followed cycling!", I asked my uncle.

I was spending the first couple of weeks of the off-season in Amsterdam, at my uncle's house, my home away from home. My family had come down for a week but they were safely back home the day before. I had just got back from Haarlem, having spent the day there. Off course I'd cycled there and back. I missed the sport too much on vacation.

Not receiving a reply, I went to take a closer look and saw that my uncle had dozed off. I woke him up gently, careful not to startle him.

"You're back early!", he exclaimed. "I thought you were coming back tomorrow."

"I got bored", I said.

"Get yourself a girlfriend."

"Not again." I rolled my eyes in mock disgust but he wasn't looking.

"Which race is this?", I asked.

"The World Championships."

"There could only ever have been one winner this year", I said. "The route was almost tailor-made for Sagan."

"A great race makes a great rider, not the other way round", he replied.

"Have you been playing PCM?" I asked, almost incredulous.

"Funny what retirement will do to you."

I couldn't think of a response. Seeing my predicament, he changed the subject.

"Don't you want to be World Champion?", he asked.

"I won't be eligible. India is not among the top 50 nations in cycling rankings, and will probably never be during my career."

"You don't live there anymore."

"But I'm still a citizen."

"That is not something that can't be changed."

"What are you suggesting? That I take up citizenship here? How can I do that?"

"Why not? I've done it. A lot of people do it."

"It's not that simple."

"Off-course it is. When was the last time you represented your country?"

I had no response.

"Just as I thought. And they won't be sending in your application till you start participating for the national team. As I think that is out of the question given your current commitments, I'd suggest you keep your sentiments to one side and think about what I'm saying. I've followed more of your races than you think, and for longer than I've cared to tell you. You are just as good as any of the riders who represent this country."

"But will I be selected even if I do make the switch?", still digesting what my uncle was implying with his last statement.

"You'll never know if you don't try!"

"I don't know. I don't feel this is the right thing to do."

"Think about it. That's all I'm telling you."

I felt like this was something that I'd probably never consider seriously. After all, I was proud to be the first cyclist from my country to ride for a UCI Tour cycling team.

Just as the thought of dismissing this conversation crossed my mind, Sagan raised his arms in victory as he became the new World Champion. My uncle looked at me with a questioning smile. I couldn't help but feel a pang of hopelessness that I'd never be eligible for a World Championship.

"How did it go?" It was my uncle on the phone.
"As good as I could have hoped for", I replied.
"I didn't think you'd go through with it", he responded.
"I had my doubts. I'm still not sure I want to do this, to be perfectly honest with you."
"Well kid, it's too late for that now. Take my advice, this is best for your career. I saw it in your eyes kiddo, you want this. Even though you don't say it out loud."
"You know everything I guess." We shared a laugh.
"Gotta go now. I fly off to for the Tour altitude training tomorrow."
"Sure kid. See you when I see you."
"That might not be for some time yet."
"Take care of yourself. You know I'll be rooting for you."
"I know. Bye."
"Goodbye. Happy landing."
"Thanks."

Picking up the phone. "Hello."
"It's here", says a voice on the line.
"Who is this?"
"Can't recognize your own uncle, eh?"
"What happened to your phone? Where are you calling from?"
"I lost it. This is my new phone and number. You would've known had you called once in a while?"
"I've been racing."
"I'm aware. Congrats kid, you made it big."
"Thank you."
"That's the most emotion I've heard from you since you got here."
"You were saying something about 'It' being there", I said, trying to change the subject. "What were you talking about?"
"A letter with your name and the Dutch government stamp on it. It says 'Private and Confidential' on the envelope. I guess it's time to find out your loyalties now."
"I'll be over tomorrow. Don't open it."
"Have I ever opened your mail, kid?"
"I know you haven't. Sorry about that."
"What's wrong kid? You seem distracted."
"I don't know how to feel about this."
"Well you will find out for sure when you read this letter. It just might all be a waste of time anyway."
"You're right. I'll be over tomorrow. See you then."
"Bye kid."
"Goodbye."

Apologies to Jandal, Aquarius and Tamijo for not replying to your comments. Didn't want to give anything away. Although I think the plot was quite obvious . This little twist has been coming for some time now.