Pune: Suraj Mundhe, a resident of Thergaon, has successfully completed the grueling 1200-kilometer cycling challenge, Gates of Heaven, considered one of the toughest in the country, on his first attempt.
Mundhe, who has also participated in and won international cycling events, has achieved a remarkable journey from being a local resident to becoming an international cyclist.
Mundhe, who works in solid waste management and wastewater sectors and is known for his environmental activism, began practicing cycling during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He has participated in various national and international cycling events over the past two years, including the Super Randonneur Series, the Deccan Cliffhanger (Pune to Goa race), the Arcade Sahyadri Classic, and BRM 1000. Notably, he successfully completed the Paris-Brest-Paris 2023 and the Gates of Heaven 2024 on his first attempt. In April 2024, he was awarded the prestigious ‘R 5000’ title by the Audax Club Paris.
Suraj Mundhe's completion of the Paris-Brest-Paris (PBP) 2023, a renowned and challenging event held every four years, marks a significant achievement.
Competing against approximately 8000 participants from around the world, Mundhe navigated through mountains, valleys, challenging weather conditions, and rigorous physical demands to complete the 1219-kilometer event in 90 hours on his first attempt.
His success is attributed to the confidence instilled by his coach Ashish Joshi, the support of his family, and his own determination and willpower.
Mundhe also completed the Gates of Heaven (GoH) 2024 cycling event, one of the most challenging in India, on his first attempt, bringing pride to Pimpri-Chinchwad.
The event required cyclists to navigate through 140 kilometers of challenging terrain in South India, including Yercaud, Coonoor, Doddabetta-Ooty, Kalpetta, Iritty, Sakleshpur, and Chikmagalur. Approximately 50 per cent of the route traversed dense forests with a total elevation gain of 14,000 meters through the Western Ghats.
Mundhe completed this arduous 1200-kilometer journey in 89 hours and 45 minutes, becoming the first GoH finisher from Pimpri-Chinchwad. He was felicitated by Ulhas Jagtap, Additional Commissioner of the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation.