Eastern India’s Only Ultra Bicycle Race Commenced

 

Kolkata : An unparalleled 830 km journey from Digha to Darjeeling, symbolizing the transition from the Bay of Bengal to the Himalayas, began early on the morning of December 28th. The race will conclude at Ghoom railway station in Darjeeling where participants had just 49 hours to conquer this challenging route.

 

All racers were self-supported, without any crew or support vehicles to assist them during the grueling 49-hour ride. Competitors registered from several cities, including Pune, Mumbai, Delhi, Siliguri, Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Nashik, and Bangalore. Some participants visited West Bengal for the first time, but they were drawn to the prestige of the Coast to Crest Ultra Bicycle race, which was approved by Race Across America (RAAM), giving it global recognition.

 

“This was the second edition of the Coast to Crest ultra bicycle race, and it is Eastern India’s one and only ultra-cycling race. Last year’s inaugural edition had 26 participants, while this year, we have 67 racers from various parts of India,” said Abhishek Tunga, Race Director.

 

The race featured renowned cyclists, including Kishore Kale, a respected athlete from Nashik, who commented, “It was a wonderful experience to visit West Bengal and race from the Bay of Bengal to the Himalayas.” Dr. Amit Samarth, a world record holder, called it “one of the toughest bicycle races in India.” Dr. Mahendra Mahajan, the event’s brand ambassador and celebrated ultra-cyclist, flagged off the race. Mr. Mahinder Singh Bharaj, aged 70, is also participating in his first-ever race in West Bengal.

 

"Adhering to sustainability guidelines, I am excited to hit the road," said Arnab Patra, an engineer with a multinational IT company, while putting aside his Christmas vacation plans with his family.

 

Dr. Amit Samarth, the only Asian to have completed the 9,100 km Trans-Siberian Extreme and a multiple-time RAAM finisher, was also part of the race, and shared his excitement: “I am super excited to be a part of the race along with other racers. Through this initiative, we aim to spread the message of keeping ourselves and our environment healthy.”

 

The route took the riders through Balagarh, Bethua Dahari, Malda, Dalkhola, Siliguri, and eventually to Ghoom. Participants began their journey at sunrise along the beach, with a stunning view of the ocean, before riding through the scenic Gangetic plains and tea gardens in the foothills of the Himalayas. Highlights include the majestic Kolaghat thermal power station, the Farakka Barrage with its 108 sluice gates, and passing through historical sites the famous Plassey battlefield, where the British defeated Bengal's last king, Nawab Siraj-ud-Doula.

 

The true beauty of the race was not just exploring Bengal’s landscapes but in overcoming challenges like unpredictable weather and the steep uphill climbs between Sukna and Kurseong. Judhajit Chakraborty, one of the organizers and a passionate cyclist, shared: “We are thrilled to welcome participants from across India to experience the unmatched beauty of Bengal. This race is redefining the cycling culture in Bengal and creating a new identity for the state in endurance sports.”

 

The event was supported by SwitchON Foundation as a sustainability partner. The riders were encouraged to follow sustainability guidelines, such as using reusable water bottles, promoting green transportation through eco-friendly posters on cycles, and planning the race route to avoid disrupting sensitive ecosystems. This is the first Race Across America (RAAM) international race to be held in Eastern India.

 

As the sustainability partner, Vinay Jaju, MD of SwitchON Foundation, shared his enthusiasm: “I want to spread the message of adopting sustainable mobility over personal vehicles to reduce carbon emissions.”

 

The Coast to Crest ultra bicycle race is setting a benchmark in the world of endurance cycling, offering a platform for athletes to push their limits while also promoting eco-friendly practices and environmental conservation.