Patiala cyclist Kanwar Gill qualifies for Randonneurs 10,000 medal
Kanwar Gill from Patiala has brought pride to his city and state as he qualified for the Randonneurs (R) 10,000 medal. He started cycling at the age of 40 and is, now, eyeing more international medals.
A practicing advocate in the Patiala district courts, Gill said Paris Brest Paris (PBP), which is a 1,240-km ride, is called the ‘Mini Olympics of cycling’. “It is the oldest cycling event in the world which started in Paris in 1860. After completing this ride, any player who cycles twice 200, twice 300, twice 400, twice 600, twice 1,000, twice 1,200 km, one 600 with an elevation of more than 8,000 and cycles 360 or more kms in 24 hours in a flèche within 48 months gets a R 10,000 medal.”
Super Randonneur (SR) title is awarded to cyclists who complete a series of brevets within a calendar year. Gill took up cycling a few years back and has previously won the SR title 37 times. To achieve an SR title, one has to ride 200, 300, 400 and 600 kms in each of these categories, within a year and Kanwar Gill attained this SR title 37 times, which is the second highest in the country.
“I get up at 4 am every day and it has been my routine for four years. I do not take any breaks to ensure that I bring laurels to my state and district. My wife Honey Gill has always supported me in this and that is why I have been able to concentrate on my cycling, as she takes care of the kids,” says Gill. “Once I am not cycling, I am in the courts and after a busy day, I spend time working out,” he said.
“My next goal is an international SR and Kashmir to Kanyakumari ride,” said 45-year-old Gill, who completed his education from Punjab Public School, Nabha.
