Cyclists from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar District Cycling Association showcased a remarkable performance in the challenging Deccan Cliffhanger race, organized by Inspire India. The race, spanning 643 kilometers from Pune to Goa with 5200+ meters of elevation gain, witnessed outstanding achievements by riders facing diverse challenges.
Notable participants, including Nikhil Kacheshwar, Atul Joshi, Manish Khandelwal, and Sachin Ghogre, demonstrated exceptional endurance and strategy to qualify for the prestigious Race Across America (RAAM), covering a staggering 5000 kilometers. The race required participants to complete the challenging course within 37 hours, testing their physical and mental resilience.
The race route encompassed key locations such as Pune, Katraj, Mahabaleshwar, Satara, Karad, MK Hubli, Belgaum, Savantwadi, and Goa. Riders encountered high terrains, night riding, heavy traffic, time constraints, humidity, and challenging road conditions, including the demanding climbs of Mahabaleshwar ghat, Katraj ghat, and the continuous ascent from Balagavi to Goa.
Maintaining an average speed of around 18 kilometers per hour, including breaks, was crucial for meeting the time requirements. To prepare for these challenges, cyclists engaged in night rides, practiced at high altitudes like Daulatabad Ghat and Ellora Ghat, and navigated challenging terrains.
Despite facing difficulties, such as the poor condition of the road from Belgaum to Sawantwadi and potholes in Amboli Ghat, the cyclists successfully reached their target within the stipulated time.
CA Nikhil Kacheshwar, Atul Joshi, Manish Khandelwal, and Sachin Ghogre demonstrated extraordinary dedication by completing the race in an impressive 34 hours and 22 minutes, without a minute of sleep. This outstanding achievement qualifies all four cyclists for the prestigious Race Across America.
In specific categories, Atul Joshi secured the first rank in the self-supported male 50+ category, while Nikhil Kacheshwar and Manish Khandelwal secured the sixth rank out of 28 in the self-supported 18-49 category.
The remarkable accomplishments of these cyclists have been applauded by the cycling community and the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar District Cycling Association, including Vice President Hira Salampure, Secretary Charanjit Singh Sangha, Treasurer Jagdeep Singh Sangha, and various others.
