Chandigarh, Sep 25 (IANS) Chandigarh, with its special cycling tracks along its wide and clean roads, is set to host the fourth edition of India Cyclothon Sunday.
This first major cycling event of Chandigarh is expecting the participation of over 6,000 enthusiasts, who will compete in various categories.
The top 20 cyclists of the country, including Somvir Singh, Atul Kumar, Vinod Malik and Bikram Singh, have already confirmed their participation. Some members of the Indian team, who are also competing in the Commonwealth Games, are also taking part in the cyclothon.
‘We are very happy that Chandigarh is hosting the event. We have a group of 24 cyclists and have participated in many cycling events in the past. But it is for the first time that we will participate in a 60-km leg. We all are very enthusiastic about this,’ Sidharth Sharma, a graphic arts student here, told IANS.
According to the organisers, nearly 5,000 cyclists have already registered and they are expecting the number to cross the 6000-mark.
Each participant will be provided a t-shirt, a safety reflective jacket, a cycling helmet and a bag.
People from all walks of life, including amateur and professional cyclists, office goers, housewives and school children will be taking part in the event.
‘I love cycling and I am participating in the 10-km leg. I started preparations for this event two-weeks back,’ Ridhima Joshi, a housewife and mother of two teenaged children, told IANS.
India Cyclothon, which is jointly organised by Hero Cycles and Sport18 – the sports marketing division of the Network18 group, will also mark the onset of the Chandigarh world tourism week which will be held from Sep 26-Oct 1.
India Cyclothon includes a 60 km national elite race that will be conducted under the aegis of the Cycling Federation of India. It will begin at 6:30 a.m. and the winner will get a cash prize of Rs.5 lakh.
Besides, there are different category of races like — a corporate ride of 20 km, a green ride of 10 km, amateur ride of 20 km and kids ride of 5 km. Cricketer Virendra Sehwag will also be present at the event to cheer the cyclists and flag off the kids ride.
Pankaj Munjal, managing director of Hero Cycles, said: ‘Our group is committed to the cause of cycling. It is a wonderful activity for fitness and also protects our environment. I am sure that cyclothon would grow to become a movement as events of this nature are extremely relevant in today’s age.’
Chandigarh, which is famous for its world-class tourist destinations, was designed by legendary French architect Le Corbusier in 1950s.
‘Cycling symbolises a stand for fitness and environment consciousness. Chandigarh with its green environs is an apt destination for the event. We hope the city residents will embrace the event and come out in large numbers to participate,’ said Chandigarh Home Secretary Ram Niwas.
