“We have had people cycling from Kashmir to Kanyakumari earlier but this is the first-of-its-kind race not only in India but in Asia, which will cover a distance of 3655 kilometres,” said director of the ultra cycling project, Jitendra Nayak.
“We have had people cycling from Kashmir to Kanyakumari earlier but this is the first-of-its-kind race not only in India but in Asia, which will cover a distance of 3655 kilometres,” said director of the ultra cycling project, Jitendra Nayak.Mubashir Khan for Greater Kashmir
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In Pictures: Asia's Longest Cycle Race Kicks Off From Kashmir

Asia’s longest cycle race began here on Wednesday as 29 cyclists, including one woman, set off for the first-of-its-kind 3,655 kilometre event.
GK Photo Desk
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The race has been accorded the status of Asian Ultracycling Championship by the World Ultracycling Association (WUCA), Nayak said.
The race has been accorded the status of Asian Ultracycling Championship by the World Ultracycling Association (WUCA), Nayak said.Mubashir Khan for Greater Kashmir
“The cyclists who complete this race will automatically qualify for the World event,” he added.
“The cyclists who complete this race will automatically qualify for the World event,” he added.Mubashir Khan for Greater Kashmir
While the organisers have set a time of 12 to 14 days for the cyclists to complete the race, most participants have set a target of completing in nine to 11 days.
While the organisers have set a time of 12 to 14 days for the cyclists to complete the race, most participants have set a target of completing in nine to 11 days.Mubashir Khan for Greater Kashmir
Specially-abled cyclist Geeta Rao is the only woman contestant
Specially-abled cyclist Geeta Rao is the only woman contestantMubashir Khan for Greater Kashmir
“It is a very expensive affair to participate in the races held in the west. So the idea was to allow the cyclists from India to participate in ultracycling events which are affordable. It will cost only 1/10th what it takes to participate in races abroad,” he added.
“It is a very expensive affair to participate in the races held in the west. So the idea was to allow the cyclists from India to participate in ultracycling events which are affordable. It will cost only 1/10th what it takes to participate in races abroad,” he added.Mubashir Khan for Greater Kashmir
Nayak said there are 13 time stations along the route which will be manned by the marshals. All riders are tracked using GPS devices.
Nayak said there are 13 time stations along the route which will be manned by the marshals. All riders are tracked using GPS devices.Mubashir Khan for Greater Kashmir
Nayak said the idea to hold an ultra cycling race came after several cyclists from India participated in such events held in the west and the far east.
Nayak said the idea to hold an ultra cycling race came after several cyclists from India participated in such events held in the west and the far east.Mubashir Khan for Greater Kashmir
Among the participants is specially-abled cyclist Geeta Rao, who is also the only woman contestant.
Among the participants is specially-abled cyclist Geeta Rao, who is also the only woman contestant.Mubashir Khan for Greater Kashmir

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