Pedalling beyond limits: First Indian woman from Hyderabad qualifies for gruelling 4,800-km race across US

HYDERABAD: When the world slowed to a standstill during the pandemic lockdown, Vandana Dhavate turned to cycling to break the monotony. What began as a casual stressbuster quickly evolved into something deeper — a pursuit that eventually carried her onto the global stage of ultra-endurance sport.

"I started cycling more seriously during the lockdown," she recalls. "It was just a way to step outside and feel free." That freedom soon evolved into passion. The sport, she says, allows her to cover vast distances while exploring landscapes and reconnecting with nature.

Hailing from Maharashtra and currently settled in Hyderabad, Vandana became the first Indian woman to qualify for the Race Across America (RAAM).

Race Across America is widely regarded as one of the most gruelling endurance cycling events globally to be held in June. Spanning nearly 3,000 miles (about 4,800 km) from the west coast to the east coast of the United States, the race must be completed in just about 12 days.Preparing for such an event requires not just physical stamina but meticulous planning — logistics, funding, crew coordination and international travel arrangements. "Training for RAAM is a long process," 48-year-old Vandana says. "It's not just about building endurance for 4,800 km, but also preparing mentally and managing everything that comes with it."

Her ticket to RAAM came through the Ultra Spice Race, organised by Inspire India. The 1,750-km route runs from Goa to Ooty and back, featuring an elevation gain of nearly 24,000 m.

Competing in the solo self-supported category, which is widely considered one of the toughest formats, she completed the race in 129 hours, comfortably ahead of the cut-off time of 154 hours. The achievement cemented her place on the RAAM start line.

From a horticulturist to landscape designer to now fully focusing on endurance cycling, Vandana has covered 78,772 km to date.

Endurance sports, she explains, have always appealed to her. "I enjoy challenges that test my physical strength, mental toughness and discipline." Long-distance riding, she says, builds not only stamina but perspective.

Her preparation follows a structured plan. She builds aerobic endurance gradually, increasing weekly mileage over time. "Strength training off the bike reduces injury risk and enhances power output. Nutrition and hydration are treated as seriously as kilometres logged," she says.

Sleep deprivation is another crucial component of ultra-distance cycling. Riders often cycle through multiple nights to stay within cut-off limits. "I usually don't sleep on the first night," she explains. "On the second and third nights, I rest for a few hours to avoid hallucinations and manage fatigue. Sometimes I take a short afternoon nap so I can ride better at night."
Milestones
Her cycling resume includes multiple Audax India ultra rides and participation in Paris–Brest–Paris 2023 — the iconic 1,200-km route held every four years in France.

"The towns during Paris–Brest–Paris welcome riders with cheers, local treats and encouragement," she says. "It's adventure and festivity rolled into one."

Yet, her first 1,200-km ride, the Tour of Telangana, remains closest to her heart. Riding solo through multiple nights tested her resolve in ways she had never experienced before.

Despite the demanding training hours, she balances cycling with family life and other commitments. Most events fall on weekends, and when she is away, her husband, 18-year-old son and mother-in-law form her unwavering support system. That support, she acknowledges, has been crucial.

For those looking to begin cycling, her advice is simple: start small. "Begin with 25 to 50 km. Ride with friends or family. Increase distances gradually."

To women considering endurance or solo rides, her message is equally clear: embrace the challenge. "Cycling builds resilience. It teaches you to handle difficult situations. It improves fitness, strengthens connections and opens doors to experiences you may never have imagined."