India’s first multi-stage cycle race to begin in February next year

HindAyan, India’s first multi-stage cycle race

The Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has given the green flag to HindAyan, India's first multi-stage cycle race. The race will be held in Delhi NCR, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Maharashtra between February 10 and 18, 2024.

At present, India does not have a multi-stage cycling race hence adventure cyclists from the armed forces and state police departments, visit America, Britain and France to participate in the races.

Meeta Rajivlochan, secretary Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, urged the Chief Secretaries of Delhi NCR, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Maharashtra to provide all the possible civic, traffic arrangements and police protection to HindAyan which is creating a platform for local cyclists to compete.

HindAyan, is a multi-stage cycling race and expedition that will commence from Delhi next February and will end in Pune. It will travel via Agra, Jaipur, Gandhinagar, Thane and Mumbai.

The first edition of HindAyan which took place from Delhi to Pune, last February was successful as the Ministry of Defence, local civic bodies and state police of five states - Delhi NCR, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Maharashtra helped generously.

Vishnudas Chapke, circumnavigator and organiser of HindAyan, said, last year, HindAyan had two special and rare honors. One, the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) permitted HindAya to ride the cycles on the iconic Bandra-Worli Sea Link in Mumbai. "The Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has given HindAyan permission for cycle race and expedition," an excited Chapke told Mid-Day.

Two, the Yamuna Expressway, which is otherwise banned for anything below four-wheelers, the only exception was IAF´s fighter jet had touched down, once. The Uttar Pradesh State Government gave special permission to HindAyan for a cycle expedition.

This year, hopefully, we will have the same honour as we have requested permission from the Maharashtra Government and the Uttar Pradesh Government for the same. We are waiting for permission, Chapke said.

Next season, we will have three stage races each 100 km in between Jaipur and Gandhinagar. If we get sponsorship, we desire to increase more stage races. And two endurance expeditions 1) Delhi to Agra via Yamuna Expressway and 2) Mumbai to Pune via old Mumbai Pune Expressway, he said.

To promote a culture of cycling among youth, we planned a few Joy Rides and Inter City Rides in twin cities like Gandhinagar-Ahmedabad, Thane-Mumbai and Mumbai-Navi Mumbai. The online application forms will start in the last week of August.

Timetable:

Saturday, February 10: New Delhi
1). Joy Ride
2). Delhi to Agra 221 km Expedition

Sunday, February 11: Jaipur
3). Joy Ride
4). Stage Race

Tuesday, February 13: Gandhinagar
5). Stage Race

Wednesday, February 14:
6). Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar Intercity Ride Ride

Saturday, February 17:
7). Thane to Mumbai Intercity Ride
8). Joy Ride Bandra to BMC

Sunday, February 18:
9). Intercity Ride Mumbai to Navi Mumbai
10). Intercity Ride Lonavala to Pune
11). Mumbai to Pune Expedition

Also Watch: Top 5 dishes to eat at Matunga's iconic Ram Ashraya as recommended by foodies