The Karnataka cyclist, who routed the field, dedicated his success to a friend who would have participated in the race, but died tragically just three days before the event while practicing for the competition. ``This victory is dedicated to my friend (Chandrashekar Kinal) who would have won the race,'' said Hirenkurar.

With tears in his eyes Hirenkurar related the mishap that took away his 17-year-old friend: ``We were practicing together when a speeding truck knocked Kinal from behind.

``It was his race as he was on the wheels more than anybody else,'' added Hirenkurar.

Speaking only Kannada, neither Hirenkurar's speech nor body language showed fatigue after the grueling 153-km route. Speaking through an interpreter, Hirenkurar said that he never dreamt that he would be champion here, but the death of his good friend motivated him in his fourth try.

Studying in the Arts faculty at MKA College, Hirenkurarhad won gold with the Karnataka team at the 17-km race at the Nationals at Bijapur. ``Since I have won the race I intend to stay back in Pune,'' said Hirenkurar who finished second at the National Games in Imphal recently. Unfazed by the lack of incentives for cycling in India, Hirenkurar says: ``I know there is no monetary benefit in cycling but I want to carry on the good deeds of my family. This is just the beginning.'' ``I would be even happier had my coach F Kurni been here.'' His coach and father-in-law Kurni, had to stay back because of Kinal's death.