Tour de Delhi all set to take off

Organizers of the Tour de Delhi on Friday announced the international participants for what is set to be the Capital’s first International Cycling Union (UCI)- sanctioned road cycling event. It will also be a test event for the Commonwealth Games road race that is to be held on the same circuit.

Due to the unprecedented rain, the track has been cut down from 13.7 km to 8 km, but according to UCI official, Jamaluddin Mahmood, the track is still one of the most picturesque.

“We have inspected the circuit and it will be great for the racers and audience. We hope that the construction that is left will be completed by tomorrow,” he said.

The international race will see eight international teams from Europe, Africa and Asia battle it out against 24 Indian riders. A further 122 national-level riders will compete in the lower category.

Cycling Federation of India officials spoke about the delays in procurement of cycles for the national team.

“The final payment for the cycles has been made and they will arrive within a week. This will give the team enough time to get accustomed to the new bikes,” said SS Dhindsa, president of the federation.

Asked to respond to reports in HT about the delays, Dhindsa placed the blame on the Sports Ministry and Sports Authority of India. “We had asked for the equipment three years ago. The delays have been on their part. Finally, we decided we’d ask the cyclists what bikes they want and place the order.”

In response to another report, Dhindsa said, “I have no say in selection and have never used influence to keep a performing athlete out. We maintain though that our campers take priority and that will always be the case until the policy changes.”