Chandigarh, June 11th: After organizing the Chandigarh Marathon successfully this year, the Chandigarh Administration is all set to hold maiden Cyclothon, BSA HERCULES INDIA CYCLOTHON Chandigarh 2010, on June 27th in the city being brought to Chandigarh by CNBC Sport 18 under the aegis of CFI. Chandigarh is foremost cycle friendly city with special cycle tracks made along with the roads almost all over the sectors, having pleasant weather, good traffic control systems and green belts etc. The Chandigarh has already been organizing Cycle Tourism events from time to time to encourage the people of all ages to use the bicycles as a mode of transport being economical and most environment friendly mode as also the need of the hour in the global warming era.
Talking about this initiative, Sh.Ram Niwas Secretary Tourism said, Promoting cycle Tourism has also been our agenda, we are very delighted to organize such a fun filled event as Chandigarhians are health conscious, full of spirit and will enthusiastically turn up to participate and woo the cyclists . He further added that aim to organize this event is to culminate a Fervour of cycling among the citizens.
Adopting the International standards, Cyclothon is scheduled to go live on June 27th, 2010. The Chandigarh Cyclothon will have the following races- National Elite (for men only, covering a distance of 60 Km, this Criterium race will have a participation of 120, starting time 6.30 am onwards; the second one is Corporate Ride (for Business Houses, Corporate institutes, organisations etc) with a participation of more than 1000, this Non – Competitive race will cover 25 Km, corporate ride are open for men and women with flag off at 06:45 am. The third category is Dream fun Ride – (14 years and above, for men and women) covering distance of 15 kms, it will have the maximum participation of more than 3000 cyclists; starting time 8.30 am.
Under the National Bicycles Race (for men)22 State teams with 5 riders from each state association will be formed and approved by the local cycling bodies and CFI .Race and selection of riders to be governed by CFI and local cycling federation Corporate & Amateur / Green Ride are fun, non-competitive rides, which will have a separate tour route each. This ride is open to all enthusiasts (of the age 14 years and above) – be it students, housewives, corporate executives etc. Along with the common man there will be a host of celebrities – film and television personalities, sportsperson, etc. Charity will be an important aspect of the event with corporate and individuals raising money for various causes, mainly two causes of the event, Health and Environment Consciousness.
The organizer will be providing with helmets and cycling bag and rest of the equipment the participants have to bring on their own. Also cycles on rent for participants will be available however, organizers will not provide bicycles or protective gear for the elite race. Aid Station consisting of medical facilities, water booths and mechanics facility for all the participants will be available. Around 2-3 Aid Stations will be set up along with the routes
To mark the identity of each participant the bibs will be worn by all participants which will be distributed on, June 25th and 26th, 2010 from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm at Leisure Valley, Sec 10.Besides this, Base Camp for this event will be set at the parking places i.e., opposite Lake Sports Club for holding the participants before starting the rides .Facilities like medical assistance and refreshments will be provided to the participants at the Welfare Centre at Leisure Valley. An expo will be set at Leisure Valley 2 days before the event for the participants to collect their bibs and goodie bags including Event Control Room and godowns at the same venue. Parking of vehicle will be available at College of Arts, Art Museum opposite Leisure Valley whereas VIP Lounge / Press Lounge / Elite Athlete Lounge / Prize Distribution area / VIP Grand Stand All these will be arranged in the premises of Lake Sports Club Parking. The Prize Distribution will be held on the same day from 11:30 am – 12:00 pm.
Event participation is open to all cycling enthusiasts from the age group of 8 years – 85 years. The registration forms for the race will available at Tourist Information Centre, Plaza Sector 17 from June 11 onwards.
The Leisure Valley will be the focal point for pre event activities as Bicycle expo will be held on June 25th and 26th at the Leisure Valley, Sector 10. The participants can collect Bibs, T shirts, helmets and goodie bags from the Leisure Valley. The kits will be distributed on the first cum first serve basis.