Pune girl plans to break record by cycling solo around the world

Vedangi told indianexpress.com that the idea behind her ‘unsupported solo trip’ was her desire to see the world alone and to communicate with people.

Vedangi Kulkarani, Vedangi Kulkarani cyclist, Mark Beaumont, Guinness Book of Records, Guinness Book of Records for cycling, Bournemouth University, India News, Indian Express, Indian Express News

Vedangi Kulkarni is the first Indian to go for solo cycling around the world in 100 days (Express Photo by Arnab Mitra)

This June, 19-year-old Pune girl Vedangi Kulkarani will start her 29,000-km round-the-world cycling trip, skipping just South America and Antarctica, in a bid to get her name in the Guinness Book of Records. In 2014, Paola Gianotti set a record by crossing the world in 144 days. In men’s category Mark Beaumont holds the record for completing the journey in 78 days.

Vedangi’s trip will start from Perth in Australia and cover countries like New Zealand, US(Alaska), Canada, Portugal, Spain, France, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Russia, Mongolia, China.

Vedangi told indianexpress.com that the idea behind her ‘unsupported solo trip’ was her desire to see the world alone and to communicate with people. It was a solo ride on the Manali- Drass route in 2016 that got her hooked to long distance cycling. Pursuing a Bachelors in Sports Management course from Bournemouth University, UK, gets support from her university teachers and friends.

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Vedangi Kulkarni’s parents; Vivek Kulkarni (Father), and mother Aparna Kulkarni (Express Photo by Arnab Mitra)

“At Bournemouth University, I started solo cycling, but faced lots of difficulties,” she said, adding how she even had to sleep alone on the streets of London after an accident. Vedangi’s trip will cost her close to Rs 1 crore and she is expecting the government to chip in. “We are looking for a government support, else I will apply for a loan”, said Vedangi, adding the the government should encourage rising sportspersons in other fields too, not just cricket.

Meanwhile, the External Affairs Ministry has assured her help in whatever way possible.

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