Gitanjali Tour De Delhi - Cyclathon 2010 is being organized by ID Sports, at Barakhamba Road on August 29, under the aegis of International Cycling Union (UCI) and Cycling Federation of India (CFI). After the success of Being Human Tour de Mumbai - Mumbai Cyclothon 2010, with the participation of 10 to 15 professional cycling teams in the world, ID Sports has initiated this international cycling event in India. The cyclathon is the second largest cycling event in Asia, in accordance with the international cycling norms, regulated by UCI. Gitanjali Tour de Delhi - Cyclothon 2010 is being held in association with FICCI and flags off the cycling test event for Commonwealth Games 2010 in Delhi.

 

The international race will feature the world's best cyclists, who will be the run-up to the Commonwealth Games scheduled for later this year. The event will be marked by the presence of Kanwar Sain Mayor of Delhi, Chairman CWG Suresh Kalmadi and Lalit Bhanot Organising Secretary CWG, amongst others who will support the initiative.

 

S. Dhindsa, President, CFI commented, "Gitanjali Tour De Delhi - Cyclothon 2010 falls under the 1.2 category of the Asia Tour of the international circuit. After the success of Tour De Mumbai, we are delighted to conduct an international racing event in the national capital which will be a flag off for the Delhi Commonwealth Games 2010. CFI is all set to promote cycling as a serious sport in India."

 

"Tour De Mumbai was the first step to build an association with the world of professional cycling in India," added Dr. Akil Khan, Chairman and Managing Director, ID Sports. "ID Sports wants to make cycling a professional sport in the country. India has been branded as the heart disease capital of the world and ID Sports with this initiative wants to lead the country to a healthy lifestyle through cycling . Our efforts have led to the launch of India's first healthcare online portal earlier this year, Topdoctorsonline.com to enable rural India to have access to the best doctors in the country through the portal."

 

Gitanjali Tour de Delhi - Cyclothon 2010 brings the motto "Burn Fat, Not Fuel", thus bringing together the causes of environment-friendly lifestyle options and the effort to eradicate the epidemic of heart disease in India. This cyclothon will follow the same route earmarked for all cycling races in the upcoming Commonwealth Games. Apart from the 10 to 15 international teams taking part in the 100-km Elite international race, there is also a 65-km race for Indian cyclists from 22 states. Both races are by invitation only and have the official backing of the global cycling body, International Cycling Union (UCI), and the Cycling Federation of India (CFI).

 

Speaking on the brands association with the property, Mehul Choksi, Chairman, Gitanjali Group, said, "Maya by Gitanjali Lifestyle is very proud to be associated with Tour de Delhi - Cyclothon 2010. After being associated with the Being Human Cyclothon in Mumbai it was but natural that we would extend our support to Delhi. We are very happy that such sporting initiatives are blooming in India and we are glad to be part of such initiatives. As a company we actively promote any form of sport, be it cricket or cycling and we encourage people to participate to make it a success. In association with exclusive and prestigious event we offer our patrons an unprecedented experience of top sport, fashion and glamour, on a scale never before witnessed in Delhi."

 

The best riders from the national teams will qualify to be trained to participate with International riders. The race and selection of riders will be governed by UCI, local cycling federation and CFI. The total prize money of the event is 25,000 Euros.

 

In addition to Maya by Gitanjali lifestyle as the title sponsor for Tour De Delhi - Cyclothon 2010 various other corporates have extended their association to the event, namely LG, Hindustan Times, Pioneer, Le Meridien, Big FM, Book My Show, CNBC-TV18, ESPN, Café Coffee Day, PVR and topdoctorsonline.com.

 

The event will conclude with a Legends Dinner to be attended by renowned international cyclists and a host of Indian celebrities at the Le Meridien on the night of August 26. The charity module of Gitanjali Tour de Delhi - Cyclothon 2010 will be handled by FICCI in association with Uber Education and Charitable Society.