As a sport, cycling is a race, but in true sense it is a journey, where life not only shows you new places but also new people — some of which become friends for life.— Lt Col Bharat Pannu
My story
Born in Rohtak, Haryana and raised across India as an Army kid, cycling was always part of life—but only recreationally, until a posting to Nashik in September 2016 sparked a chance entry into randonneuring that redefined the course of his life. Within months, a leisure rider earned the coveted Super Randonneur title; within a year, he won an ultra-race in India and finished an ultra-endurance event in Europe. A graduate in Aeronautical Engineering responsible for helicopter maintenance in the Indian Army, his ingrained military discipline — operating under pressure, planning meticulously and pushing through physical and mental limits — translated directly into the demanding world of ultra-endurance cycling. In February 2018, he began training under renowned US-based coach Tracy McKay, whose partnership brought structure, science and purpose to his preparation.
Serving in the Army is a 24-hour commitment, and every session was woven around military responsibilities—early morning rides before PT, evening workouts, long weekend rides, racing during leave and managing recovery amid other commitments. Cycling was never a profession; it remained a deeply personal pursuit, driven largely through self-funding and perseverance rather than the infrastructure most competitive athletes take for granted—with the unwavering support of family behind every milestone.
Every Guinness World Record, every podium and every finish line is the work of Team Pannu — the crew chiefs, navigators, mechanics, physiotherapists and nutritionists who plan the routes, run the round-the-clock support and keep the wheels turning. The first Indians to podium at the Virtual Race Across America, the team has powered record rides across India and the United States.
“Adventure is not the absence of fear — it is the courage to move forward despite it. Success lies not just in speed or strength, but in the ability to stay committed when your body breaks and only your mind carries you forward. I ride not for records alone, but to push the limits of what the human spirit can achieve — carrying with me the pride of the Indian Armed Forces.”— Lt Col Bharat Pannu
On the TEDx stage at KIIT University, Bhubaneswar, Lt Col Bharat Pannu brought the world of ultra-endurance cycling to an audience of thousands — sharing what 5,000 kilometers of relentless riding teaches you about the mind, the body and the will to keep going.
Race portfolio
From the first ultra in 2017 — every race, every result
The same structured, honest training and Army-drilled discipline that turned a late-starting recreational rider into a 3× Guinness World Record holder — now available to you, one-on-one, whatever your level.
| Personalised plans on TrainingPeaks | The premium subscription and TP Virtual is included in the package. |
| Face-to-face guidance every month | Not a plan left on autopilot. |
| Every level welcome | First century, first BRM, or first ultra-distance start line. |
Recognition & honours
Three Guinness World Records, the Race Across America Armed Forces Cup, salutes from the Indian Army, an award instituted in his name — and a credential list that runs from the TEDx stage to a high-performance leadership programme with the Abhinav Bindra Foundation.
Watch
Endorsed by Gautam Gambhir, featured by the Indian Army, and documented from the road to the finish arch.
Coverage
National print, broadcast and digital outlets that covered the world records, race finishes and the Army officer behind them.
Giving back
Ultra-cycling is a vehicle for change. Bharat uses his platform to support environmental and community causes.
During RAAM 2019, Bharat partnered with the Forest Department Nashik and Samsonite South Asia to plant trees equal to the race distance. Schools, colleges, Nashik Police, and hundreds of citizens joined the drive.
5,000 trees plantedDuring Virtual RAAM 2020, Bharat raised funds for Punarjanmam Foundation Trust — which rehabilitates small-scale entrepreneurs whose livelihoods were destroyed by the pandemic, providing tools and essentials to restart.
₹59,449 raisedKnowledge
Race reports, training insights, and stories from the cycling community — written by Bharat and guest contributors.
To race long distances in India is to race in several countries at once — a freezing pass by morning, suffocating heat by night.
Somewhere around 1,750 km a race stops being about fitness. What carries you the rest of the way is the mind.
The only arithmetic that gets you across America: never ride 5,000 kilometres. Ride 25. Then ride 25 again.
There was no sporting background — not in school, not in college. Just a posting to Nashik in 2016, a road bike, and a question: how far can I go?
Guest essays · Shyam G Menon
Sports journalist and blogger Shyam G Menon — one of India’s most perceptive writers on endurance sport — has documented Bharat’s journey from first ultra-race to the RAAM finish arch.
The definitive long-read on how a self-described late starter became one of India’s most decorated ultra-cyclists.
Read →
A third-place finish at 4,086 km — and the first international ultra-cycling podium by an Indian.
Read →
With the pandemic forcing RAAM indoors, Bharat would race his avatar across a digital America.
Read →
If India’s longest qualifier is 1,750 km and RAAM is nearly 4,800, does the gap matter?
Read →What they say
Bharat has a riding prowess evenly tempered with optimism, grace and power. Determination and coachability have been rewarded with world-class success.
His progression in the sport has been rapid and he has built a place for himself in the Indian Ultra-Cycling arena. A man who started with no sports credibility till 35.
Having started at the Ultra Spice in Jan 2017, he has swiftly built a strong resume of performing well at ultra-races. Gratifying to see his evolution through international events.
Partners
The brands and organisations that back every kilometre.
Looking for a speaker who has literally ridden through the impossible? Bharat brings lessons in mental resilience, goal-setting, and comeback from the ultra-cycling world to your audience.
Personalised plans on TrainingPeaks with monthly face-to-face guidance — for every level, from your first century to your first ultra.
