CYCLING MARATHON

9th February 2014,
BENGALURU

The maiden edition of Vodafone Cycling Marathon, over 60 kms, was held at Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru,here on Sunday Feb 9, 2014.

Ravikanth Somayaji along with his friends Sujay, Pradhan, and Rakshith registered to participate in the 40km passion ride at 6.30am.

A cycle was borrowed from a friends place and put the cycle in car and reached the Stadium at 5.30am, by that time more tha 1000 people with cycles in the queue and getting ready for the event.

Ravi and Sujay their cycles and caps on joined the crowd and we, Mom, Rishi and myself were in the cheering crowd.

The race flagged off at 6.30am and cyclists zoomed in the route marked and it was a pleasant sight to see the riders moving in the early morning chiil of Bengaluru weather.

The event with eight laps in the route came to close at 8am 

The cycling marathon is recognised by the Cycling Federation of India (CFI) and is supported by Bengaluru City traffic police.

The event was run over four distances, 60 kms (Champion Ride), 40 kms (Passion Ride), 20 kms (Green Ride) and 10 kms (Fun Ride). The total prize money for the Champion Ride will be Rs. 10 lakhs with Rs 2.5. lakhs for the winner, Rs. 1.75 lakhs for second, Rs. 1.25 lakhs for third and Rs. 1 lakh for fourth positions.

The remaining amount will be divided among 16 consolation winners. The participants in all the four categories will be given certificate of merit and Cycling Marathon goodies.

“It is a much-needed cycling event for the city. The Cycle Federation of India extends its full support and we are very happy to get associated with Vodafone India to make this event successful,” 

That was a thrilling program for both participants and the spectators. There were people of all ages.

written on Monday, 10 Feb 2014