Rajesh pedals to glory

C Rajesh claimed the top spot in the 60 Km national race event in the Hero Cycles India Cyclothon which was held in the city on Sunday. As more than 1000 spectators cheered the enthusiasts cyclists along the Janmarg,Rajesh claimed the top spot and pocketed Rs 151,000. The second spot in the same category was claimed by O Bikram Singh who got the prize money of Rs 75,000. The third spot in the same category was claimed by Nirmal Singh who was given Rs 51,000. The event took off with much fanfare and festivities with over 5,714 turning out in various categories in the largest celebration of cycling at foothills of the Himalayas.

Punjab Governor Shivraj V Patil flagged off the event at Sukhna lake here. Earlier Indian cricket team opener Virender Sehwag flagged off the kids ride. People from different age groups and diverse walks of life took part in the fourth edition of the Cyclothon held under the aegis of Cycling Federation of India. The different categories of races included 60 km national elite race,20 km corporate ride,10 km green ride,20 km amateur ride and 5 km kids ride.

C Rajan won the elite race. The event also marked the onset of Chandigarh World Tourism Week till October one. On the occasion,Patil released the tourism literature to bring awareness to the tourists as well as the other people about the city.

Home Secretary Ram Niwas said the administration was organising a lot of events to promote Chandigarh as a tourist spot. Other prominent people present on the occasion included Rajya Sabha member and Cycling Federation of India president Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa.