NAGPUR: Cyclists from Poland and Kenya are set to participate in the second edition of the Race Across India, the nation's most iconic and arduous ultra-cycling event, commencing on October 10. Amit Samarth, the renowned Nagpur cyclist, will once again embark on the formidable 3,758-kilometer journey from Srinagar to Kanyakumari.
During a media briefing on Friday, Samarth revealed that the star attractions in this year's race will include a professional cyclist from Poland, a Kenyan team, and a solo female ultra-cyclist. Ravindra Paranjape, a member of the organizing committee, added that they anticipate a total of 36-40 participants across all three categories, including the solo competition.
The race, which will put the endurance of the participants to the ultimate test, will be sponsored by Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. Commencing in Srinagar on October 10, the route will traverse 12 states before culminating in Kanyakumari.
Starting from the snow-covered Himalayas, the route will take participants along India's longest National Highway 44, passing through key states such as Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra. The cyclists will conquer an elevation gain of 18,201 meters as they navigate through significant mountain ranges, including the Himalayas, Aravalli's, Vindhyas, and Satpuras, while crossing major rivers like the Yamuna, Narmada, Godavari, and Krishna. The challenging terrain and varying weather conditions will test the riders' mental and physical fortitude over the course of 12 to 13 days.
Solo riders under the age of 60 must complete the race within 12 days, while relay teams of four have a time limit of 8 days. Relay teams of two will be allotted 10 days, and solo riders above 60 years will have 13 days to earn their finisher's medal.
Participants from the Indian Air Force, Indian Coast Guard, Indian Navy, Indian Army, Maharashtra Police Commando Force One, professionally practising doctors, and visually impaired riders are also expected to take part in the race.
The project and race directors will be Jeetendra Nayak and Vivit Walve. The other members of the organising committee will be Mukul Samarth, Dilip Warkad, Ravindra Paranjape, Manoj Jadhav, Bhushan Deosarkar, and various cycling groups across the country.
