Race Across America, 2017. Who will be the first Indian solo finisher ever? Today, many have begun to ask this question as Amit Samarth and Srinivas Gokulnath are battling it out between the two coasts of the US. Thankfully, they have crossed what accomplished cyclists claim is the toughest section of the entire raceโthe Appalachian mountains in West Virginia and Pennsylvania.
They have just reached Rouzerville (Time Station 51) in Pennsylvania. With 12 hours to go and 136 miles to conquer, they should be able to beat the clock.
And what a camaraderie! They have waved at each other dozens of times as they were trying to one-up each other during the 3000 mile-long race.
Although they did receive a penalty too, they have already served it. With about 136 miles to the finish, they have just two miles between them. They have swapped leads several times during the raceโalmost playing hide-and-seek.
To me, it doesnโt matter who reaches Annapolis first: Now the individual records do not matter. The superiority is no longer at stake. The very sight of two Indian racers holding the Tricolour and flying it high on the Pacific coast of the USA would be an unforgettable moment for all of us. A moment we shall be cherishing for long.