9 WE R Cyclists Pedal in the Cliffhanger 2017- an Ultra Race from Pune-Goa
Mangaluru: Deccan Cliffhanger, one of the first and most popular ultra races in India, which is an annual 643 Km (400 Mile) Ultra Cycling Race from Pune to Goa, organised by Inspire India, was held this year on November 4 & 5. With Ultra Cycling gaining popularity in India, this 5th edition of the event saw a record number of participation, including 9 women, 36 solo, 7 team of 2 members each, 9 teams of 3 members each, 20 teams of 4 riders each grouped in mixed, 18-35yr age and 35-49 yr age categories.
This year, 9 riders from Team WE R Cycling-Mangaluru represented in the 5th edition of Deccan Cliffhanger and was the only team from Karnataka State. Though Dhanraj Karkera, under solo category was performing exceptionally well, had to discontinue due to physical illness. But both the teams performed exceptionally in their categories completing the event with an impressive timing of 23hrs 23min against the cutoff time of 30hrs and 24hrs 14 min against the cutoff time of 31 hrs. Under the team category of 18-35 years, Dr. Koushik Sargod, Krishna Kumar, Shashank Pal, Nithin Mohan and 35-49 category Shyamprasad Nayak, Sarvesha Samaga, Brijesh Balakrishnan and Ashok Lobo. All these riders we’re supported by the team of crew consisting of Sudhir Albuquerque, Shivananda Rao, Anish Lobo, Mubeen, Harivijay Kudva, Ashwath Rasquinha. Deepak Hebbar and Barani.
Starting from the Cliff a buzzing township in Pune, the riders had to brace off against challenging terrain passing through katraj, kambatki ghat, pasarni, spectacular descent through Medha Ghat, extreme heat and winds on the NH4 from Satara to Dharwad, chill and cold weather of Anshi Tiger reserve and the sultry, humid conditions of Goa before finishing at the Bogmalo Beach-Goa. It was gala time both at the start and the finish times with sea of personalities from cycling, media, and various walks of life cheering for the participants.
The result is indeed a proud moment for the cycling community in Mangaluru which has grown from strength to strength from casual rides, weekend long rides, tours, Audax BRMs to now the Ultra Cycling Races.