Racing his way to glory

Srinivas Gokulnath  marked India’s arrival on the endurance cycling scene globally as he created history by becoming the first Indian to complete the toughest cycling race in the world — the 4,900-km Race Across America (RAAM). He reached the finish line in 11 days, 18 hours and 45 minutes after setting out from California.  The race is exhausting, not just on a physical level, but it also tests you mentally, reveals the 37-year-old, “It’s about 4,900 km of cycling and you have to go through 12 states of America. It is not only difficult because of the distance but because of many other variables involved. You have to peddle from the east coast to the west coast. There are temperature variations across the 12 states and you have to brave the storms, desert, rains, valleys and mountainous terrains.”

This was his second attempt at the race; he participated in 2016 for the first time and was short by 500 miles and couldn’t reach the finishing line. “I immediately registered and began my training regime. I have practised non-stop for eleven months and prepared myself physically and mentally. I have been into endurance cycling since 2009 and have successfully completed various races. RAAM was the pinnacle and I’ve accomplished it as well.” he shares.

An aerospace medicine doctor currently posted at Nashik, Shrinovas said he faced many challenges as a self-sponsored athelete. “I had a day-job to take care of and fund my own practice. It was a difficult feat, but my passion keeps me motivated.”

The race knocks you down many times, but you have to get up every single time it happens. “You need to have a really well-knit crew that keeps you motivated, feeds you well and wants you to finish the race. I had a crew of 11 members and it was their strong desire to see me finish the race and I finally accomplished it,” he shares.

Srinivas had a well-chalked-out plan and his wife was his core supporter. “My wife, who was also my core crewmember, supported me throughout the span. When I wasn’t able to finish it for the first time, she motivated and supported me to do better.  We had a plan and however exhausted we were, we made sure to stick to the plan and not falter. Our sleep, nutrition and hydration breaks were well executed and this why I was able to complete it,” he reveals.