By IANS,
Chandigarh : With a view to promoting cycle tourism, Chandigarh is all set to hold its first cycling event called ‘BSA Hercules India cyclothon Chandigarh 2010’ on June 27, an official announced here Tuesday.
“Chandigarh residents are health conscious, full of spirit and we are expecting a huge response from them,” Chandigarh home-cum-tourism secretary Ram Niwas said.
He added: “We will follow all international standards while organising the cyclothon. We will provide helmets, cycling bags and cycles on rent to all participants.”
Niwas said aid stations consisting of medical facilities, water booths and mechanics to attend to repairs will be available on the route.
According to officials concerned, the cyclothon will have three categories. The first one is national elite that is only for men, covering a distance of 60 km and with 120 participants in a race.
The second category is corporate ride for business houses, corporate institutes and organisations. This is a non-competitive race, open for both men and women, and will cover 25 km with over 1,000 participants.
The third is a dream fun ride for people 14 years and above, covering 15 km with over 3,000 participants and is non-competitive.
“The cyclothon is open to all enthusiasts (of the age 14 years and above), be it students, housewives or corporate executives. We are also expecting a host of celebrities like international sportspersons and from film and television industry to participate in the event,” Niwas stated.
The registration forms will be available at tourist information centre in Sector 17, the commercial hub of Chandigarh, from June 11.
Chandigarh is one of the foremost cycle-friendly cities in the country with special cycle tracks along almost all roads.