Excelsior Sports Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Feb 28: Eyeing to cover over 3600 kilometres on cycle, the ‘Indian Oil Race across India’ is all set to begin tomorrow here and will end in Kanyakumari.
The race has been termed Asia’s first longest ultra-cycling race which is recognized by the World Ultra-Cycling Association (WUCA) which is the highest authority in ultra-cycling events.
“It will allow all the ultra-cyclist in India to participate in this ultra-cycling event of international standards,” the organizers said.
They said that one of the objectives of the race is to cultivate cycling culture and promote cycling as a sport and also provide a financially feasible platform to participate in the world ultra-cycling association recognized event
“It will cover nearly 3600 km and will start on March 1, 2023, while the Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) is the title sponsor and it is being supported by J&K Sports Council,” the organizers said.
About categories, they said, the solo, team of 2, and team of 4 have been provided the cut-off time of 12 days, 10 days, and 8 days respectively. “Differently abled riders get 14 days to complete the race. Participants have to timestamp at IOCL Stations along the route.”
It was further given out that the 3651-kilometre-long race with a total elevation gain of 18950 meters, will start from Srinagar, J&K and end in the southern tip of the Indian Peninsula, Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu.
“Along the way, the race will pass through scenic locations in our geographically diverse country and the route is India’s longest highway, the National Highway 44 and passes through 12 major Indian States and 3 major metropolises and over 20 major cities.”
About participants, the organizers said that there are 12 solo riders, 1 team of 2 and 3 teams of 4s who are all from different parts of India. “Some who are differently abled riders riding solo from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. Dhiraj Kalsait is one of the most unique cyclists with a prosthetic leg and one less of a hand who is willing to do solo 3651 km,” organizers said.
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