Australian finishes first, while Indian third in ‘world’s toughest’ cycle race

Australian 54-year-old multi-sport athlete  Allan Jefferson from Queensland won the Solo Male (50-59) Race Across America (RAAM).

Allan, who is a rescue helicopter crewman, cycled 20 hours a day and finished the 4,889 km race in 10 days and 15 minutes.

Surprisingly, India’s ultra-cyclist Kabir Rachure also achieved a podium finish at RAAM in the Solo Male (under-50) category. He finished the 4,889 km competition in 11 days, 11 hours and 25 minutes.

Kabir, who is from Maharashtra, is an advocate at the Bombay High Court and has now become the first Indian to do so in what is known as the world’s toughest cycle race.

RAAM has been running for four decades and covers terrain from desert to mountain ranges thus challenging the athletes.

12 days
3000 miles

Race Across America (RAAM) is considered one of the toughest ultra-distance road cycling race in the world!

Ultrahuman athlete Kabir Rachure didn't just finish the race in 11 days but also secured 3rd place in the solo category! 🇮🇳🥳

Let's go! 🚀 pic.twitter.com/sjeldE2j5P

— Ultrahuman 👀 (@UltrahumanHQ) June 26, 2022

Technically, the race is about 30 per cent longer than the Tour de France and route of RAAM crosses 12 states from California to Maryland, while climbing 55,000 metres.