Nashik doctors to become first Indians to complete Race Across America today

A Nashik-based doctor duo remain on course to become the first Indian pair to complete the world's most difficult ultra endurance cycle race, the Race Across America (RAAM), within the allotted time.

In an attempt to raise funds to provide free cataracts and corneal transplants for tribals through the Kalpataru Foundation, Dr. Hitendra Mahajan, an anesthetist and Dr. Mahendra Mahajan, a dentist, have embarked on a journey of approximately 3,000 miles (4,800 km), battling unprecedented weather conditions ranging from 48 degrees C to 8 degrees C through the varied terrain of the US.

The brothers have been backed by a competent crew named 'Team India-Vision for Tribals'. The RAAM requires not only a superhuman physical effort but also needs to overcome complex logistical challenge as the crew toils day and night to facilitate the race.

The crew members include Dr.Suneel Vartak (Dermatologist and team leader), Miten Thakkar(Coach), Dr. Rajendra Nehete(Plastic surgeon), Dr.Milind Pimprikar (Orthopedic surgeon),Dr. Sham Chaudhari (Paediatrician), Dr. R.D Patil (Paediatrician), Dr. Sandeep Shewale (Orthopedic surgeon, UK),Dr.Amol Tambe (Orthopedic surgeon, UK), Dr.Sachin Gujjar (Radiologist,US), Prashant Shastri ( VP, Global Insurance, Cagemini), Rahul Gupte (Columbus, Ohio), Milind Walekar, Mohinder Singh and Pankaj Marlesha.

The gruelling race, which got underway on June 20 at Oceanside, California, is equivalent to the Tour de France in terms of length and will finish on Monday at Annapolis, Maryland.

The Mahajans, who have bagged many laurels in the cycling circuit including the 'Death Race' in Bhutan, the Sarhad LOC (1000km) and the mighty Deccan Cliffhanger, are only 226 miles away from the finish line at the last point of contact.