NewZNew (Chandigarh) : The Fourth Edition of the National Chandigarh Cyclothon is being held on 21st December 2014 at Chandigarh. 100 cyclists are coming from all over India to participate in this mega cycling event. Chandigarh Cyclothon is being organized by the Chandigarh Administration in association with Hero Cycles India and the implementing company is Sportz 13. A Media Briefing was organised to share information about the arrangements that have been made for the same. Mr. Kashish Mittal,IAS, Dir(Tourism), UT, Mr. Ashok Bawa, GM, Marketing, Hero Cycles & Mr. Yadvinder Singh, Director, Sportz 13 were present.
The Cyclothon will have a Non Competitive section which will comprise of 7 Kms ‘Fun Ride’, ‘Maza ride’ & ‘Corporate Ride’. The major attraction will be an Elite National competitive race which will cover a gruelling 57.5 Kilometres distance. Said Mr. Kashish Mittal, Director, Tourism, “The route taken in both the competitive as well as non competitive segments will be the same. The cyclists will be flagged off from near the entry into Sector 10 on Janmarg which divides Sectors 9 and 10. The cyclists will head towards North end (High Court side) and will take a U Turn from rotary on Uttar Marg (located at the North end of Sec 4 and 3 on the High Court side) travel back to Matka Chowk where they take a U Turn and again go towards North side. The race as well as rides will end at the start point. The cyclists in non competitive section will take two rounds and those in the Elite race will have to do 16 rounds.”
Mr Yadvinder Singh gave a synopsis of the event, “On 19th and 20th December 2014 an Expo will be held at the Leisure Valley, Sector 10, Chandigarh where Goody bags will be given along-with Chest numbers. The Expo will be held from 11.00 am – 7 pm. Route map of the Cyclothon too will be given to participants. The Elite National race will see prizes being given to all cyclists who get a position from First to Tenth. The prize money that is on offer for distribution amongst the athletes is Rs 3 lakhs.”
Chandigarh Cyclothon has already received as many as 3000 entries by the organizing company Sportz 13. The last day for registration is 18thDecember. It was informed that the race will be flagged off by Mr. Anil Kumar, Home Secretary, UT & Mr. Pankaj Munjal, MD, Hero Cycles at 8 am. Said Mr. Ashok Bawa, GM(Mktg), Hero Cycles, ”A detachment of mechanics will be placed on the route on the Sector 9, flank of Jan Marg to provide repair support to the cyclists if required. I am confident that students of colleges and schools will join various cycling events during the Cyclothon.”
Added Mr Kashish Mittal, Dir (Tourism), Chandigarh, “The good response by way of registrations being received for this year’s Cyclothon is a pointer that cycling is quite popular amongst all age groups. The Chandigarh Administration has been promoting Bike Tourism events from time to time to encourage people of all-ages to commute short distances on bi-cycles to enjoy the clean and serene environs of the City Beautiful. More such events shall be organised to give such mass participative sports a fillip.” It was also informed at the press conference that there will be Traffic Curbs on Sunday. Chandigarh Police personnel from both the traffic and general wings will take care of traffic flow as well as security so that residents do not face any problems due to sealing of some entry and exit points along the route. He also high-lighted that arrangements have been made to establish Chemical Toilets and ambulances. Doctors with First aid kits will be pressed into service to provide medical cover for the event.
