44 year-old director is first Indian to cycle through the Alps for leukemia

'For those who suffer, we ride' is the motto of the Fireflies Tour that Thane-based producer Amitabh Bhattacharya will be participating in on June 13. But cycling across 1,000 km of the Swiss Alps to raise money for leukemia research could well change that motto to 'For those who suffer, we suffer,' he tells Sunday MiDDAY

Amitabh Bhattacharya is impatient with our requests for a late night interview. "Can we do it at 9," he asks, in response to our plea for a 9.30 pm chat. After some discussion we settle for 9.15, and we wonder what the fuss was about. "I have to be up at 4 am to practise," is one of the first things he says when we call him at the appointed time, and then we understand the hurry to wrap up things.

Mumbai filmmaker Amitabh Bhattacharya wakes up at 4 am
everyday for his practice session. pic/sameer markande

After all, cycling 300 kms a week to practise for a challenging eight-day bicycle ride across the Swiss Alps is no joke, and can't be done on a sleep-deprived mind and body. Bhattacharya, executive producer of Nomad Films (makes commercials, shorts and features) is the first Indian to participate in the Fireflies Tour that traverses 1,000 km through the French Alpines, from Geneva to Cannes, to help raise money for Leuka, an organisation that leads research into the causes and treatment of leukemia.

Every year, amateur cyclists from the advertising and film world participate in the challenge, which begins tomorrow. The preparation hasn't been easy for Bhattacharya who is accustomed to waking up and sleeping late, a habit cultivated by the demands of his profession. "To explain to people that I have to wrap up work early and go home so I can wake up at 4 am, is not easy, especially in the film industry.

It has taken a lot of discipline to be able to practise everyday," he confesses. But it's exciting, he admits, to be part of an event that includes just 80 participants from across the world. "You can apply but the ride is only open to people from the advertising and production world. And many are rejected on fitness grounds," says the 44 year-old, who took to cycling a couple of years ago to stay fit.

Half of the preparation lies in understanding the technique of riding, he says. Cyclists will traverse 25 km everyday, sometimes reaching peaks that are 11,000 feet above sea level, in less-than-welcome conditions, on a route that will intersect with that of Tour De France. "One year, there was a blizzard! Plus, we'll be cycling uphill on road bikes, which are very light, against the wind. That will slow us down further, so you really need to be fit and prepared."

Everything aside though, Bhattacharya considers himself lucky to have landed the opportunity. "I happen to be part of the only fraternity that is allowed to be part of this initiative. And I am lucky to have been able to afford everythingu00a0-- the cycle, the clothes, the exercise, the sponsorship, the visa, and what-not. It's the chance of a lifetime and I'm excited."

To know more about the ride: Log on to https://www.thefire fliestour.com/ fliestour.com/
To make a donation: Log in to https://www.virginmoneygiving.com/AmitabhBhattacharya