Another self-supported Ultra Spice win on the 1,200 km route — and another RAAM qualifier in the bag.
This edition of Ultra Spice featured the self-supported version of the 1,200 km route. The self-supported format has its own challenges, made more exciting on an Ultra Spice route devoid of the facilities usually found on highways. As the sun sets, locals shut their shops and the cyclist is on his own — a water-bottle refill at night is at the mercy of fuel stations or the odd open shop.
The densely forested areas and coffee plantations add another level of excitement — home to various animals, including elephants who venture out freely at night. This was not a game for the weak-hearted; it was much more than a cycling race.
Kudos to the race officials, who always had our backs. At no point did I feel scared, and my complete focus was on finishing as early as possible. I completed the route in 61 hours 07 minutes and won it by a comfortable margin.
