An unprecedented 830-kilometer voyage from Digha to Darjeeling, representing the transition from the Bay of Bengal to the Himalayas, began early on December 28th. The competition will culminate at Ghoom railway station in Darjeeling, where contestants have only 49 hours to complete this difficult journey.

All competitors were self-supported, with no staff or support vehicles to help them over the arduous 49-hour journey. Competitors registered from a variety of cities, including Pune, Mumbai, Delhi, Siliguri, Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Nashik, and Bangalore. Some participants came to West Bengal for the first time, but they were drawn to the grandeur of the Coast to Crest Ultra Bicycle Race, which was sanctioned by Race Across America (RAAM), granting it global prominence.

Last year’s debut edition had 26 participants, while this year’s event will have 67 racers from around India.

The route sent the riders via Balagarh, Bethua Dahari, Malda, Dalkhola, Siliguri, and finally Ghoom.
The genuine beauty of the race was not only discovering Bengal’s sceneries but also conquering obstacles like unexpected weather and severe uphill climbs between Sukna and Kurseong.

SwitchON Foundation supported the event as a sustainability partner. Riders were encouraged to follow sustainability rules, such as using recyclable water bottles, supporting green transportation using eco-friendly bicycle posters, and arranging the race route to prevent harming delicate habitats.

The Coast to Crest ultra bicycling competition is setting a new standard in the world of endurance cycling, providing a platform for competitors to test their boundaries while also encouraging eco-friendly practices and environmental protection.

Priyanka Dutta