MUMBAI: The groundwork has been laid. Now registrations are open for the first edition of HindAyan, a multi-stage cycle race on the lines of the famous Tour De France, first announced in October 2022.
Hindayan, which is scheduled to get flagged off from New Delhi on February 5, will cover over 1,600 kms across multiple days, before culminating in Pune.
This would be the first of its kind cycling race in the country, states race convenor Vishnudas Shesharao Chapke. The first edition will commence on February 5 at the National War Memorial, New Delhi and travel via Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur, Ahmedabad, Surat, Thane, Mumbai, to culminate at Fort Sinhagad in Pune on February 19, 2023, thus coinciding with the birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Nature of Event:
With the help of the local superintendent of police and district administration, roads will be designated for the race. In urban areas, it will be termed as an expedition and not a race.
1) Full Race: The 14 day race will start from New Delhi and will conclude at Sinhagad Fort, Pune. Shortlisted teams will be cycling an average of 250 km per day followed by a rest day.
Fees: Total fee for the full race is Rs 60,000 per participant. Pre-registration is Rs 3,000 (non-refundable) at time of online application. Due to logistic and accommodation restrictions, a total of 60 spots are available for the full race. If there are more than 60 applications, a selction process is to decide the “final 60”.
2) Inter-City Pro Race: The Inter City Race will cover approximately 250 km in between two cities. Registration fee is Rs 2,499 per intercity race.
3) Joy Ride: 30 km Joy Rides – Thane to CST Mumbai Feb 18; Azad Maidan to Vashi, Navi Mumbai Feb 19. Registration fee is Rs 1,499. Special discount for students – Rs 499.
Timetable:
February 5: Delhi to Agra
February 7: Agra to Jaipur
February 9: Jaipur to Bhilwara
February 10: Bhilwara to Udaipur
February 12: Udaipur to Ahmedabad
February 14: Ahmedabad to Surat
February 16: Surat to Thane
February 18: Thane to Mumbai Joy Ride
February 19: CST to Vashi Joy Ride
February 19: Mumbai to Pune
Race organiser Chapke, a former journalist, is the first Indian to circumnavigate the globe by land.
