THE DECCAN CLIFFHANGER
The Deccan Cliffhanger is India’s signature Ultracycle Race!
The race starts on the Deccan Plateau, goes over the Sahyadri mountains and drops through dense forests covered cliffs to finish on the coastline in Goa. A 646 Km (400 Mile) Ultra Cycling Race from Pune to Goa, comprising solo and relay team categories. The Relay event is RAAM style, and the Solo Race is a Race Across America Qualifier. All racers in all categories must have a support vehicle and crew.
The Deccan Cliffhanger is a Fast paced, competitive race that heads for the beach!
Celebrating 10th Edition in 2023
The Deccan Cliffhanger Self Supported is now a RAAM Qualifier too!
10th Edition (2023) Race Details
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Start - Keshavbaug, DP Road United Western Housing Society, Karve Nagar, Pune 411037
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Finish - John's Seagull Bar and Restaurant, Bogmallo Beach, Goa
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Distance - 643km
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Start Date - 25th Nov 2023 (Solo Self Supported RAAM Qualifier, Solo Crew Supported RAAM Qualifier and RAAM Style Relay)
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Elevation Gain - 5,907m
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Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44869769​ (Updated on 10 Nov 2023)
2023 Race Schedule
​At the Deccan Cliffhanger, racers need to get their equipment inspected and attend briefings at the pre-race venue. Detailed schedule for meetings, briefings, and inspection slot bookings will be sent to racers on email upon completing online registration. Listed below is an outline of the schedule of the Deccan Cliffhanger Edition 10 (2023)
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Thursday 23 November - Pre-Race inspection and briefings of all Solo Self-Supported racers, and some Solo Crew Supported Racers and Relay teams
Friday 24 November - Pre-Race Inspections and Briefings of remaining Solo Crew Supported Racers and Relay teams
Saturday 25 November Early Morning - All Solo Racers and Relay Team Flag-Off
Sunday 26 November Early Morning Onwards - Racers Finish
Sunday 26 November Evening - The Cliffhang-over Awards Ceremony and Dinner Party
Deccan Cliffhanger 10th Edition (2023)
Race Route
The race starts in Pune and joins NH4 towards Kolhapur. Climbing up the the Katraj tunnel through a gradual slope, the route proceeds on a rolling terrain to go pas Pune City limits. After a short climb over Khambatki Ghat, racers descent quickly into Surur where the route turns right to go up Pasarni Ghat to Panchgani. Racers then descend through a picturesque valley to come back and join NH4 just before Satara. The route then keeps rolling to go through Satara, Karad, and Kolhapur. Soon after Kolhapur, the route enters Karnataka State with racers having to climb up Tawndi Ghat. The route then rolls on the silky smooth roads of Karnataka to go past Belgaum. The route then turns around to come back to Belgaum. Passing through Belgaum city, the route descends into Goa through pristine forests. Navigating through the rolling and hilly Goan countryside, the route starts heading towards Goa Airport. The home stretch on Airport Road provides racers with the cool sea breeze. Finally turning left towards Bogmalo Beach, the route descends to the quaint and welcoming beach town of Bogmalo. The finish is conveniently located at the doorstep of John's Seagull Bar and Restaurant.
Metrics
Distance: 643km
Elevation Gain: 5,907m
Tentative Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44869769​ (Updated on 10 Nov 2023)
Categories and Timings
DC Solo Self Supported RAAM Qualifier
​The self-supported race is a new racing format at Inspire India. With no support crew and vehicle requirement, and minimal support from the organisers, enjoy the breath-taking Sahyadris on your own steam! The Deccan Cliffhanger Solo Self Supported Race is now a Race Across America Qualifier! ​
Format
The Self-Supported format is derived from bike-packing wherein racers are self-sufficient for their needs during the race. Racers can ride along with other self-supported racers. Most importantly, racers do not require a crew to support them at the race. Starting from 2023, DC Self-Supported is a RAAM Qualifier. At the Deccan Cliffhanger Self-Supported, racers will race non-stop from start to finish and will get access to drop-bag facilities mid-way during the race.
Racing Age is the age each Racer will turn during the calendar year of the race (year of race minus birth year). Solo Self Supported Racers at The Deccan Cliffhanger will Qualify for The Race Across America if they finish within the RQ timings.
The Ride option is for riders attempting to ride The Deccan Cliffhanger solo, who do not complete within RQ timings. All riders who complete the route within their time limit of 42hrs will receive the Finisher’s Award but will not be qualified for RAAM.
Category Code | Category | RAAM Qualifier Cut Off | Inspire India Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
E | SS Women 50+ | 41:00:00 | Under Review |
F | SS Women 18-49 | 39:00:00 | Under Review |
G | SS Men 50+ | 39:00:00 | Under Review |
H | SS Men 18-49 | 37:00:00 | Under Review |
DC Solo Crew Supported RAAM Qualifier
Deccan Cliffhanger's Solo Crew Supported race ​is India's best known Ultra Cycling Race. With all Race Across America finishers from India having crossed the DC Finish Line, this is one of the most prestigious cycling event in the country. Apart from being a Race Across America Qualifier (RQ), the race is also listed on the World Ultra Cycling Association (WUCA) Calendar
Format
The Solo Crew Supported race is a Race Across America Qualifier and racers require a support crew to participate in this format. While solo racers do the job of riding the entire distance, the crew support them for all their needs. Head on the the resources page to learn more about this format and access the numerous documents, videos, and presentations explaining this format in detail.
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Racing Age is the age each Racer will turn during the calendar year of the race (year of race minus birth year). Solo Crew Supported Racers at The Deccan Cliffhanger Qualify for The Race Across America if they finish within the RQ timings.
The Ride option is for riders attempting to ride The Deccan Cliffhanger solo, who do not complete within RQ timings. All riders who complete the route within their time limit of 38hrs will receive the Finisher’s Award but will not be qualified for RAAM.
Category Code | Category | RAAM Qualifier Cut Off | Inspire India Finish |
|---|---|---|---|
A | RQ Women 50+ | 36:00:00 | 38:00:00 |
B | RQ Women 18-49 | 34:00:00 | 38:00:00 |
C | RQ Men 50+ | 34:00:00 | 38:00:00 |
D | RQ Men 18-49 | 32:00:00 | 38:00:00 |
DC RAAM Style Relay
Deccan Cliffhanger's Crew Supported race ​is India's best known Ultra Cycling Race. With all Race Across America finishers from India having crossed the DC Finish Line, this is one of the most prestigious cycling event in the country. The Relay race is a Race Across America (RAAM) Style Relay. The race is also listed on the World Ultra Cycling Association (WUCA) Calendar
Format
In the relay race, relay teams members take turns to ride the entire distance between their team. Teams have the freedom to decide how often you swap riders, how long each member rides and how much distance each covers. Teams can comprise of 2, 3, or 4 team members. While racers do the job of riding the entire distance, the crew support them for all their needs. This is really a fun event, to enjoy the route, challenge yourself, while you share the distance with your buddies. Head on the the resources page to learn more about this format and access the numerous documents, videos, and presentations explaining this format in detail.
Categories and Timings are based on Team Age and Gender. Team Age is the average racing age of all Team members (total number of years divided by 2, 3, or 4 depending on team size). Racing Age is the age each Racer will turn during the calendar year of the race (year of race minus birth year). For a team to be classified as a mixed team, the team must have at least one female team member.
Category Code | Category | Cut Off |
|---|---|---|
1 | All Women 50+ | 34:00:00 |
2 | All Women 35-49 | 32:00:00 |
3 | All Women 18-34 | 32:00:00 |
4 | Mixed 50+ | 32:00:00 |
5 | All Men 50+ | 32:00:00 |
6 | Mixed 35-49 | 31:00:00 |
7 | All Men 35-49 | 31:00:00 |
8 | Mixed 18-34 | 30:00:00 |
9 | All Men 18-34 | 30:00:00 |
Rules & Regulations
Guiding Principles:
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Safety of all persons involved
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Running a Clean and Healthy race with a level playing field for all
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Creating a Race of International standards
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Protecting Race integrity and reputation
(The guiding principles will dictate decision making by the Race Committee on any issue not specifically covered in these rules)
Mandatory Pre-Race Requirements:
​Each race has certain mandatory pre-race requirements that racers must meet in order to receive a clearance to race. If racers do not meet with these requirements, their registration may be cancelled and racers may be denied from entry to the event. Please read the requirements carefully before registering for the event.
Download Rule Book
Final rules and regulations for the 10th Edition (2023) are under review. In the interim, 9th Edition (2022) rules may be reviewed below.