Om Mahajan, a teenager from Nashik, Maharashtra broke the record for the fastest bicycle journey across India. Mahajan completed his journey on Saturday afternoon. He covered the distance of 3,600 km from Srinagar to Kanyakumari on Bicycle in eight days, seven hours and 38 minutes.
The existing Guinness Book record for the bicycle ride from Srinagar to Kanyakumari is held by Om’s uncle Mahendra Mahajan. However, It was evenly broken by the Indian Army’s Lt Col Bharat Pannu who covered the distance in eight days and nine hours. But it is yet to be entered in the Book.
While speaking on the great achievement, the 18-year-old said “ I was always into cycling , but it was more about sprinting. I began to dream of endurance cycling and taking part in the race Across America (RAAM) that began after lockdown.â€
“ About six months ago, I began training for the qualifier ride for RAAM which was to happen in November, but rather than going for the 600km ride I went for a ‘Race Across India’. Sleep or even rest was a luxury, he added.
Om started from Srinagar on a chilly night last week and crossed heavy rains in Madhya Pradesh reaching the heat down south and finally arrived at his destination.
During his journey, an experienced crew of cyclists including his father and uncle as well as RAAM solo finisher Kabir Raichure accompanied Om as a sports team.
The young Mahajan’s next challenge is RAAM which is said to be the toughest cycle race on the planet. In this Om will have to ride 4,800 km with 12 days.
We wish the young champ all the luck for his future challenges.
