Army officer seeks funds from public for tough US cycle race

Army officer Lt Col Bharat Pannu has appealed to the public to help him with funds to compete in the greulling "Race Across America" (RAAM) bicycle event starting on June 11.

Only two Indians, Srinivas Gokulnath and Amit Samarth, have completed the 4,800-km cycle race, touted as the world's toughest, that involves peddling from the west coast to the east coast of America.

Two city-based doctor brothers -- Mahendra and Hitendra Mahajan - successfully finishedthe race in 2015 as a team.

Participants have all of 12 days to finish the distance and have to be assisted by a support team, which travels in cars, making it an expensive affair.

Lt Col Pannu, currently posted here in North Maharashtra, said he will use the race to spread the message of saving the environment.

The event, which will start in California, spans 4,800 km, climbs 1,75,000 feet, crosses 12 US states before finishing at Maryland, according to its website.

Talking to reporters here Monday evening, the Army officer urged people to come forward to help him with funds considering the high expenses involved in participating in the competition.

He said it costs around Rs 45 lakh to take part in the race.

"I am myself spending Rs 25 lakh and the remaining Rs 20 lakh is being raised through sponsors and donations from members of the public," the officer said.

Lt Col Pannu, an aeronautical engineer, joined the Army in 2005. He is looking after maintenance of the Army's helicopters at Devlali camp near here since 2016.

He said Army officials from various countries take part in RAAM.

"There is a separate group of these participants, who complete the race in less time. I am trying to win the cup in this category," he said.