Avon Cycles India Cyclothon in Kolkata for its first edition

Modified Mar 01, 2012 21:14 IST

Kolkata, March 1st, 2012: Avon Cycles, largest cycle manufacturer exporter from India and Sport18, the sports marketing division of the Network18 group bring to Kolkata India’s biggest cycling event – Avon Cycles India Cyclothon on 18th March 2012. An elite professional race, organized under the aegis of Cycling Federation of India, featuring top cyclists from India would be the cynosure of the event and would carry prize money of Rs. 5 lakhs.

India Cyclothon has panned 9 editions across the cities of Bengaluru, Mumbai, Pune, Delhi and Chandigarh and has attracted over 50,000 participants. The India Cyclothon movement encourages the public at large to use cycling as a medium of fitness and environment conservation. As in other cities, the event will have 4 mass ride categories – Amateur Ride (20km), Corporate Ride (20 km), Green Ride (10 km), and Parle G Junior Ride (5 km).

Logo unveiling – Ms. Bani Ghosh (Treasurer, CFI), Actor Hiraan Chatterjee, Mr. Rishi Pahwa (Director, Avon Cycles), Mr. Satish Menon (CEO – Sport18)

Mr. Rishi Pahwa, Director – Avon Cycles, the Title Sponsor of the event, said, “Avon Cycles is proud to partner with Sport18 on an initiative that endeavours to make a difference to the world we live in. In its effort to kindle a culture of cycling, India Cyclothon is doing a commendable job. We hope Kolkata comes out on the streets in full strength to take part in the Avon Cycles India Cyclothon to support the cause of a greener, cleaner and fitter tomorrow.”

Mr. Rishi Pahwa (Director, Avon Cycles) and actor Hiraan Chatterjee

Also present on the occasion was Mr. Satish Menon, CEO – Sport18, who said, “It gives me great pleasure to welcome Kolkata into the select circle of Cyclothon cities. Sport18 has been at the forefront of the cycling movement in India’s premier cities. So far we have managed to spread the cycling word in Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi, Chandigarh and Pune, where there are a growing number of young, upwardly-mobile professionals cycling regularly. We look forward to having the people of Kolkata amongst India’s urban cyclists.”

Actor Hiraan Chatterjee addressing the media

Lending his support to the cause of cycling, popular actor Hiraan Chatterjee said, “Cycling has always been a part of my fitness regime. I hope this event encourages people to take up cycling regularly as it has the dual benefits of keeping oneself and the environment healthy!”

Multiple organizations have partnered with this event: Avon Cycles, The Telegraph, Ralson Tyres, HDFC Life, Parle G, Hotel Hindusthan International, Radio Mirchi, Talwalkars, CNBC TV18, CNN-IBN, ETV Bangla, Accord Advertising, Book My Show and the Cycling Federation of India. The event will be telecast live on CNBC TV18.

Avon Cycles India Cyclothon will have participants from all walks of life, including seasoned and amateur cyclists, working professionals, housewives, and students. Registrations for the event have commenced online on www.indiacyclothon.com. Offline registrations can be done via Entry Forms that will be available at Avon Cycles and Talwalkars outlets in Kolkata from Monday 5th 2012.

Ride Category Details:

Ride Categories	Age Eligibility	Distance	Registration Fee (Rs.)
National Elite Men’s Race	18 years and above	60 km	N. A.
Amateur Ride	18 years and above	20 km	200
Corporate Ride	18 years and above	20 km	200
Green Ride	14 years and above	10 km	200
Parle G Junior Ride	8 to 13 years	5 km	100