The race was held from Women’s College gate to Kashmir University gate via boulevard and Foreshore road.
In the event only 40 top riders of the Valley participated and all of them were champions in their respective arena. So it was obvious that the competition is going to be tough and it turned exactly like that. From the start riders pushed paddles hard in order to beat their rivals. All maintained decent speed through out the course and at times it clocked above 50-kilometere per hour. The eagerness of each rider to win the event resulted in couple of accidents and five to six riders suffered injures. First accident happened near SKICC when riders who were in a bunch tried to take advantage of curve in order to get lead. It resulted in the clash and three cycles crashed with each other.
It was deciding point of the event as Anzil, Shabir, Umer, Mudasir and Ghulam Rasool took advantage and managed to sprint away from rest of the riders. Till Nishat all the five riders were riding neck-to-neck and it was at that point Anzil, Shabir and Umer pushed hard. Mudasir and Ghulam Rasool couldn’t match the sprint power and were left behind. Though Umer was trying desperately to stay neck-to-neck with Anzil and Shabir but after half Foreshore distance finished, he started to give up and Anzil and Shabir ran away from him.
After that it was battle of pride between these two highly talented cyclists. Both of them had set their goals to win the event in order to claim number one cyclist tag.
The battle was so tough that no one was able to judge till last moment who will emerge the winner. At Habbak Crossing, Shabir managed to get a few inches lead but till finish line Anzill overcame it. Both crossed finish line at the same time. The judges couldn’t declare winner and it was only after seeing camera replays that Anzil was declared winner. His wheel was just half an inch ahead of Shabir at finish line. Umer finished third while Mudasir finished fourth. Ghulam Rasool Kawa finished fifth.
Meanwhile in junior category, Muhammad Akbar of Chinar Cycling Club finished first while Dar Junaid of Green Valley finished second. Jehangeer of Shalimar Cycling Club finished third.
Prize distribution ceremony was held at Naseem Bagh in which position holders were awarded. Prizes were also distributed among junior category. Qaiser Walvir who sponsored the event was chief guest on the occasion. He distributed prizes among the winners.
Speaking on the occasion, he said, “I had never thought that our state has got so much talent. It was amazing too see the speed of riders. After seeing the talent and enthusiasm I’m delighted that I sponsored right event and I promise all of you that I will always be available to help cycling.”
On the occasion organizers of the event announced that on August 1, the mega cycling event would be organized in Srinagar. In that event around 1000 cyclists are expected to participate.
The event was organized by J&K Cycling Association.
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