Three Generations, One Passion: How Mumbai-Pune Road Forged a Cycling Dynasty
In the annals of Indian cycling, few stories resonate as powerfully as the Pawar family's enduring connection to the iconic Mumbai-Pune road. This historic route has not only tested athletes for generations but has also become the proving ground for a remarkable sporting dynasty that continues to inspire.
The Patriarch's Triumphs: Dashrath Pawar's Historic Victories
The legacy began in 1960 when a young Dashrath Pawar, just 23 years old, entered his first Mumbai-Pune cycling race and emerged victorious. This initial triumph was no fleeting success. Dashrath went on to secure wins in 1972 and 1973, achieving what many considered impossible by claiming victory again in 1977 at the age of 40. To this day, he remains the oldest winner in the race's storied history.
Santosh Pawar, Dashrath's 55-year-old son, recently stood among spectators at the Pune Grand Tour, watching modern cyclists cross the finish line at Balgandharva Rangmandir. While many contemporary names were unfamiliar, the location held profound significance. This was the very finish line his father had crossed multiple times during his legendary career.
Evolution of Equipment and Racing Conditions
The Mumbai-Pune race, which originated in 1945 from Kala Ghoda in Mumbai, has undergone significant transformations over the decades. Due to increasing traffic congestion, the starting point has shifted to Chembur, reducing the total distance to approximately 150 kilometers. The race's most challenging segment remains the grueling 11-kilometer ascent of Bor Ghat, where the fastest climber earns the prestigious title of Ghatacha Raja or King of the Ghats.
In Dashrath's era, cyclists competed under vastly different conditions. Most riders used non-geared bicycles and wore minimal hairnet helmets that provided little protection. Remarkably, Dashrath achieved several of his victories on such basic equipment before his employer, Kirloskar Oil Engines Limited, recognized his exceptional talent and gifted him a foreign-made Claude Butler geared cycle.
The Second Generation Carries the Torch
Dashrath's achievements left an indelible mark on his sons, Santosh and Vishal Pawar. Both have proudly continued the family tradition, achieving success at various competitive levels. Vishal, now 52, particularly distinguished himself by winning the Mumbai-Pune race in 2000 and securing podium positions in other editions of the event.
Santosh recalls how his father nurtured his cycling passion from a young age. "I was still in school when he would accompany me on his cycle during my training rides, which covered at least 50 kilometers," Santosh remembers. "As I grew faster, he began following me on his motorcycle instead." This dedicated coaching paid dividends when Santosh claimed his first major title at just 17, winning a demanding 14-day stage race from Mumbai to Delhi covering 1,400 kilometers.
Community and Competition in Cycling's Golden Era
The Mumbai-Pune races of previous decades possessed a unique character that differed significantly from today's professionally organized events like the Pune Grand Tour. While lacking modern infrastructure and substantial prize money, these earlier competitions generated tremendous excitement and community engagement.
"Each race would attract around 60-70 riders from various parts of the country," Santosh explains. "Crowds would line the sides of the old Mumbai-Pune highway to watch the cyclists arrive. Many participants worked in factories within the bustling Pimpri-Chinchwad industrial belt, and their colleagues would take breaks to cheer them on."
A Third Generation Emerges
The Pawar family's cycling journey has now entered its third generation with Santosh's son, Kedar, participating in Maharashtra cycling trials and setting his sights on national competitions. This continuation represents more than just family tradition—it embodies a deep-seated passion for a sport that demands maximum physical effort while often receiving limited recognition and support.
Even today, Santosh and Vishal continue to compete in national cycling events within their age categories. Vishal's accomplishments have been formally recognized through the prestigious Shiv Chhatrapati award, highlighting his contributions to the sport.
Enduring Legacy on Familiar Roads
While the Pune Grand Tour represents cycling's modern, globalized face with its international participants and professional organization, the roads themselves remember different eras. The same routes that challenged Dashrath Pawar decades ago now test new generations of cyclists, yet the destination remains unchanged—a finish line that has witnessed countless stories of determination and triumph.
The Pawar family's three-generation commitment to competitive cycling stands as a testament to enduring passion, familial support, and the unique challenges presented by the Mumbai-Pune route. Their story continues to inspire, reminding us that sporting legacies are built not just on individual achievements but on shared dedication that transcends generations.
