The Army officer who broke Guinness record for fastest solo cycling

Indian Army officer Lieutenant Colonel Sripada Sriram scripted history when he successfully undertook a 472 km journey on cycle in 34 hours and 54 minutes. 

The officer has set a new Guinness World Record for the 'Fastest Solo Cycling -- (Men)'.

The officer who is from the Strategic Strikers Division of 1 Corps pedalled from Leh to Manali on September 26 with an elevation gain of about 8000 meters. 

In breaking the set world record, Lt Col Sriram faced a lot of challenges ranging from difficult terrain to bumpy roads and uphill riding conditions to difficult passes. 

During his expedition, two support vehicles were used. As for his diet, the officer had pre-planned home-cooked food.

He would have completed his expedition in the lesser time provided the stretch near Sarchu on the Leh-Manali axis was in motorable condition. 

Sarchu is located between Lachulung La to the north and Baralacha La to the south, at an altitude of 4,290 m. 

Using a Cannondale Synapse bike, Lt Col Sriram began cycling at 1530 hours from Pang on Saturday and reached Lachung La Top at 1745 hours. 

According to Lt Col Sriram, the Guinness world record allows just one bike to be used in the individual attempt. 

Previously, the record was held by Lt Col Bharat Pannu, who had covered the same distance in 35 hours 32 minutes last year. 

Lt Col Sriram now has two records to his name. The officer had earlier set a record he cycled a total of 5,942 km distance in 14 days, 23 hours and 52 minutes on the ‘Golden Quadrilateral’ route. The Golden Quadrilateral connects the four metros, including Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai and Mumbai.

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• Fastest Solo Cycling
• Guinness World Record
• Lieutenant Colonel Sripada Sriram
• Sarchu La
• Strategic Strikers Division
• mountain driving
• Cannondale Synapse