Two cyclists from Maharashtra qualify for 'Race Across America'

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], Mar 10 (ANI): "Chase your passion, follow your heart," says cyclist Kabir Rachure who has qualified for the world's toughest bicycle event -- Race Across America (RAAM) along with his friend Bharat Pannu.
RAAM is a 36-year-old programme, which has been challenging physical and mental limits of ultra cyclists from across the globe. This year, RAAM is scheduled to be held in June.
Starting from Oceanside, RAAM spans 3000 miles across 12 states and finishes at City Dock in Annapolis, Maryland, the east coast sailing mecca.
RAAM, one of the longest running and most respected ultra-endurance events in the world, is divided into three categories - RAAM Solo, RAW Solo, and Team and RAAM Team Start.
Both Rachure and Punnu have been practising for RAAM for a past few months on Mumbai roads. In order to gain the support of people and make them aware of the race, the duo completed a cycle ride from Panvel to Bandra Reclamation on Sunday. Many people participated with Kabir and Bharat to support their initiative and rode cycles to promote their cause.
Elaborating about the event, Punnu told ANI: "It would be a very challenging race for us. It will be a 5,000 km race, in which, we have to face three deserts, mountain ranges, plains. To motivate us, the Race with Heros organised an event here today and cyclists from Mumbai and Navi Mumbai participated in it."
RAAM is a multiday event, where participants have to ride a cycle for 12 days with 12 crew members. "We would hardly get to sleep for 1.5 hours during that period. For this, a cyclist needs mental stability and a crew plays a major role in it," said Kabir Rachure. 
It is worth mentioning that RAAM combines distance, terrain and weather. It is the true test of camaraderie, speed, strength, endurance and an amalgamation of work and play. (ANI)