Ashwin Govindaswamy completes Deccan Cliffhanger 2-08 in record time

Ashwin Govindaswamy cycled into Bogmalo Beach, Goa, to complete the Deccan Cliffhanger 2018 in a record-breaking 22 hours 56 minutes, making it the fastest time by an Indian. The Deccan Cliffhanger is a 646-Km Ultra Cycling Race from Pune to Goa, which has both solo and relay categories.

Solo racers who complete the race within the stipulated time limit qualify for Race Across America (RAAM), touted as the world's toughest bicycle race. In the previous editions of the race, the previous best time by an Indian was set by Dr Amit Samarth, clocking 25 hours 1 minute.

"I felt I hadn't performed to my potential in races earlier this year and I really wanted to get a big win before the end of the year. And that's why I decided to participate in the race," Govindaswamy, who is a design engineer, was quoted as saying in a media release issued Monday.

(With inputs from agencies.)