ULTRA SPICE RACE 2017

WINNER - 1000 KM

The ULTRA SPICE RACE of 1000 km was indeed a challenging event and provided an excellent platform for the cycling community in India to prepare themselves for the international races. The route presented varied terrains for the rider to discover the beauty of the Western Ghats along with the wide-ranging difficulty levels as most of the route was having rolling terrain interspersed with patches of rough roads. The scenic beauty of coffee city Chickmangalur, the coastal highway from Mangalore to Goa, the Jog Falls at Sagar and numerous other locales can be gauged best when you cycle through the complete route. The first edition of the ULTRA SPICE RACE was made even grandeur by the organisers by their meticulous planning for each stage of the event.

Route - The race starts in Bogmalo, Goa heads south along the coastal road, heading inland from Honavar towards Jog Falls.  The rolling terrain soon turns into a steady climb up the Western Ghats towards the famous Jog Falls. From there it continues around the edge of Wildlife sanctuaries, climbing steadily towards Chikmaglur. Still, in the forest and spice plantation-covered hills, the route heads south till it touches the Mangalore-Bangalore highway and turns to descend towards the coast again. From Mangalore, the route follows the coastline back to Goa. The total distance of 1000 km has a total elevation gain of 9500 m.

I become the first Indian to successfully complete any Ultra race in India of a distance longer than 400 miles! I achieved this feat by winning the first edition of The Ultra Spice Race (1000 km) in January 2017. For me, it was an unforgettable experience of cycling for 55 hours & 39 minutes to cover the 1000 km route along with my dedicated support crew, who supported me day and night to enable me to complete the race within the stipulated time to qualify for RAAM solo event. The importance of the crew cannot be undermined as they play a pivotal role in the success of the rider. The rider along with his crew must do thorough planning before undertaking an event of such magnitude.

MEET THE TEAM

"Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much"