Eastern India’s only Ultra Bicycle Race from Digha to Darjeeling commenced
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Kolkata: An unparalleled 830 km journey from Digha to Darjeeling, symbolizing the transition from the Bay of Bengal to the Himalayas, began early on the morning of December 28th. The race will conclude at Ghoom railway station in Darjeeling where participants had just 49 hours to conquer this challenging route.
All racers were self-supported, without any crew or support vehicles to assist them during the grueling 49-hour ride. Competitors registered from several cities, including Pune, Mumbai, Delhi, Siliguri, Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Nashik, and Bangalore.
Some participants visited West Bengal for the first time, but they were drawn to the prestige of the Coast to Crest Ultra Bicycle race, which was approved by Race Across America (RAAM), giving it global recognition.
The route takes the riders through Balagarh, Bethua Dahari, Malda, Dalkhola, Siliguri, and eventually to Ghoom. Participants began their journey at sunrise along the beach, with a stunning view of the ocean, before riding through the scenic Gangetic plains and tea gardens in the foothills of the Himalayas.
Highlights include the majestic Kolaghat thermal power station, the Farakka Barrage with its 108 sluice gates, and passing through historical sites the famous Plassey battlefield, where the British defeated Bengal’s last king, Nawab Siraj-ud-Doula.
The event was supported by SwitchON Foundation as a sustainability partner. The riders were encouraged to follow sustainability guidelines, such as using reusable water bottles, promoting green transportation through eco-friendly posters on cycles, and planning the race route to avoid disrupting sensitive ecosystems.
As the sustainability partner, Vinay Jaju, MD of SwitchON Foundation, said, “I want to spread the message of adopting sustainable mobility over personal vehicles to reduce carbon emissions.”
The Coast to Crest ultra bicycle race is setting a benchmark in the world of endurance cycling, offering a platform for athletes to push their limits while also promoting eco-friendly practices and environmental conservation.
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