Vaibhav Rajamuni, a vibrant young individual hailing from the picturesque capital city of Goa, has recently etched his name into the prestigious Guinness Book of World Records. On the remarkable date of January 18th, this 21-year-old cycling maven achieved an extraordinary feat by covering a staggering distance of 151.3 kilometers in 7 hours, 18 minutes, and 13 seconds—all without utilizing the bicycle’s handlebars. Breaking barriers and setting a groundbreaking trend, Vaibhav has become the first person globally to accomplish the remarkable feat of cycling without holding the handlebar.
Not merely confined to his cycling prowess, Vaibhav is also an accomplished photographer and videographer, adding a multifaceted layer to his already impressive persona. Team Incredible Goa had the privilege of sitting down with this young sensation to delve into the details of his extraordinary journey. In this exclusive interview, Vaibhav shares the highs and lows of his unique endeavor, shedding light on the dedication and passion that propelled him to unparalleled fame.
Read on as we uncover the captivating story behind Vaibhav Rajamuni’s groundbreaking achievement, exploring the intersection of talent, determination, and the pursuit of extraordinary feats in the world of cycling.
Vaibhav Rajamani, a 21-year-old aficionado of cycling and a graduate in mass communication from Don Bosco College, Panaji. Currently, he channels his passion into his role as a professional videographer and video editor for none other than Dr. Subodh Kerkar, a distinguished artist and the proud proprietor of the Museum of Goa. Hailing from the quaint neighborhood of Mala in Panaji, Vaibhav’s formative years were spent at Mushtifund High School until his 10th standard.
“I’ve always had a deep affinity for outdoor pursuits, and among them, cycling has held a special place in my heart. Exploring diverse locales has been a personal passion, and the bicycle became my preferred mode of exploration. Even during my school days in Cujira, despite the availability of bus services, I opted to pedal my way to and from school. It was a defining moment when my aunt introduced me to a 100-kilometer cycling event, and to my delight, I not only completed it with a commendable time but also embarked on a transformative cycling journey from that point forward,” he shared.
Reflecting on his remarkable journey to achieve a Guinness World Record, he shared, “The desire to hold a Guinness World Record title has always been a personal aspiration of mine. One evening, as I perused the multitude of records on their website, I stumbled upon the intriguing title of ‘greatest distance cycled (no hands).’ That moment in 2018 marked the beginning of my focused efforts to break this particular record. However, the realization hit me that the process involved submitting an application, which, unfortunately, had a 12-week processing time. I had to temporarily halt my practices due to the impending rainy season. Undeterred, I resumed my training, only to discover that my application had expired. Lesson learned, I reapplied, ensuring a thorough understanding of the rules and regulations. Joining Team Probyk added a new dimension to my preparation.
In 2021, at the peak of my performance, the unexpected challenge of COVID-19 struck, necessitating a lengthy recovery period. Undeterred, I reapplied in November 2022, setting a goal to break the record on April 4, 2023. Juggling final-year college commitments, part-time work, and intensive training, I faced setbacks, including the prohibitive cost of the chosen venue, Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium. I persevered, focusing on completing my graduation first.
In July 2023, with renewed determination, I aimed to break the record on December 17. After numerous setbacks, I finally achieved success by cycling an impressive 151.33 kilometers in 7 hours, 18 minutes, and 13 seconds, surpassing the previous record of 130.29 kilometers. This momentous achievement unfolded at the Soccorro Skating Rink, marking the culmination of a challenging yet triumphant journey.”
Expressing his deep-rooted passion for cycling, he reminisced, “My connection with cycling dates back to my childhood. It was my go-to mode of transportation whenever I wanted to explore. Even as a youngster, I would embark on journeys from Panaji to Revora, near Mapusa, immersing myself in the surroundings. The trips were not just rides; they were a collection of cherished moments—visiting the bridge, and engaging in conversations with fishermen by the river. These experiences held great significance for me.
The turning point came during my Class 11 days when my aunt, also an avid cyclist, extended an invitation to join her for a 100-kilometer cycling event. Having never covered such a distance before, I faced challenges after the initial 50 kilometers. However, a fellow cyclist from the event chose to accompany me for the remainder of the journey, providing unwavering support despite my slower pace. Their encouragement propelled me across the finish line, marking a pivotal moment in my cycling journey. It was from that point onward that I began to approach cycling with a newfound seriousness and dedication.”
Reflecting on the hurdles encountered in the pursuit of his passion, he shared, “Balancing a full-time job with the rigorous training required for the record presents a significant challenge for me. My training sessions typically extend for at least five hours, and I find myself squeezing them in after work, from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. This has a direct impact on my sleep schedule, adding an extra layer of complexity to an already demanding routine.
Practicing at the Skating Rink in Porvorim at night brings forth its own set of challenges. The absence of adequate lighting at the rink means I have to navigate my training sessions in near darkness. It’s a testament to my dedication that I continue to push through these challenging conditions.
Moreover, fueling up for the ride poses its difficulties, as once I commence cycling, I cannot afford to make stops. This adds another layer of complexity to the already intricate balance between training, work, and the relentless pursuit of breaking records.”
Detailing his future aspirations, Vaibhav shared, “Currently, I am immersed in training for the upcoming Ironman 70.3 Goa, a formidable triathlon that encompasses a 1.9km swim, a challenging 90km cycling stretch, followed by a demanding 21km run. The event is set to unfold on the 27th of October, and I am gearing up for this multifaceted endurance challenge.
Beyond this, my ambitions extend to participating in a Long Range Marathon (LRM) covering a staggering 1200km from Goa to Dhanushkodi. The aim is not only to cover this formidable distance but to complete the arduous journey within a tight timeframe of 90 hours. This monumental challenge translates to a continuous cycling effort of 300km per day over four consecutive days. It’s a test of endurance and mental fortitude that I am eager to take on as part of my ongoing journey to push personal boundaries and achieve new milestones in the realm of cycling.
