MUMBAI: The what the organisers claim is the first ever Indian cyclothon, christened Pedal-Delhi will be held in the capital on 5 November.
Promoted by the Radha Kapoor-led DoIt Sports under the aegis of the Cycling Federation of India, Pedal-Delhi aims to create a platform for the country’s best elite athletes to compete for prize money and hopes to ignite a mass cycling movement in the country. The event is expected to have over 5,000 participants - across amateur and open categories - cycling alongside 150 of India’s best elite cyclists. The event will be marketed and managed by Meraki Sport & Entertainment.
Chennai based cycling company ChooseMyBicycle has been tasked with managing the technical aspects and will work closely with CFI & Meraki to ensure world-class rider experience.
Commenting on this association, Cycling Federation of India (CFI) secretary general Onkar Singh said, “We are very excited to partner with DoIt Sports to transform the sport of cycling in India. I take this opportunity to thank them for their conviction & vision. Our athletes have been performing consistently well at international competitions and events like Pedal will not only help enhance the sport’s reach, but will also enhance the following for the sport and the athletes. We are confident that the event will put India on the global map of the sport.”
DoIT Sports Saumya Khaitan CEO said, “It gives me great pleasure to have taken such an initiative and we are thankful to all the support we have received from the Cycling Federation of India. Our objective is to provide an aspirational product to not just the elites and the amateurs, but also encourage the uninitiated to experience the joy of cycling. India is going through a health & fitness revolution, and Pedal will aim to leverage that to instil socio-environmental consciousness in our society.”
“Over the last two years, the average increase in membership across cycling clubs in the 6 metros alone is 61%. We are also seeing a gradual progression, from running to activities like cycling & rock climbing, especially amongst the upwardly mobile demographic. All this presents a great opportunity for brands to connect with their consumers. We are certain that Pedal will positively impact both Sport & Society, and drive significant value to all stakeholders, sponsors & partners” added Meraki Sport & Entertainment managing director Ajit Ravindran.
Launched in 2013, DoIt Sports owns marquee franchises in established sporting leagues in India, including the Dabang Delhi Kabaddi Club (Pro-Kabbadi League), Dabang Mumbai Hockey Club (Hockey India League) and the Dabang Smashers (Ultimate Table Tennis League).
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