Samarth finishes on podium in Bikaner

 

 

ENDURANCE cyclist Dr Amit Samarth, Director of Miles N Milers Sports Academy, finished on podium in 200 km Tour De Thar – Competitive Cycling Competition organised jointly by Rajasthan Government, Bikaner Development Authority, Cycling Federation of India, Fit India and Sports Authority of India at Bikaner. The 45-year-old Dr Samarth finished second in age category 31 to 45 years with an overall time of 5 hrs 59 mins 24 secs (average speed of 33.1 kmph for 200 km). Samarth received award and a cash prize of Rs 30,000.

 

The race was fought neck and neck for entire 200 km by cyclists all over India. Samarth lost the first position to Saurabh Singh by just four seconds. Dr Samarth explained that racing 200 km in competitive manner with peloton riding requires a different skill set, like maintaining pace with other riders, surges and final sprint. According to him, it was a great experience to race among short distance riders and learn knew skills of competitive and peloton riding. Daksh Khante, who trains Dr Samarth at Miles N Milers Sports Academy, also participated in the 100 km Men’s Amateur Category. He finished 100 km cycling in 2 hrs 44 mins with a average speed of 35.4 kmph for 100 km. Daksh was leading the race for the first 70 km but was caught later by a bunch of chasers. In a photo finish, Khante ended 5th in 18 to 25 years age group missing podium by one second. The total prize money for the race was Rs 25 lakh. More than 700 cyclist from all across India participated in different categories.