Tamil Nadu Cycling Association (TNCA) in association with CRX Sports and under the aegis of Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) will organise ‘Hercules Roadeo Chennai Cycling 2013’ on March 3 from Kamarajar Salai between 5 a.m. and 11.30 a.m. Film actor Karthi will be the ambassador for the event. On March 1 and 2, chest number and helmets mandatory for participants has to be collected.
The annual event which is organised to promote cycling as mode of green transport and a healthy sport has been classified into Men’s Pro Race (40 Kms from 5 a.m. to 6.45 a.m.); Celebrity Lap and CXO Ride (4 Kms from 7 a.m. to 7.15 a.m.); Kids Ride (4 Kms from 7.15 a.m. to 8 a.m.); Akshaya Green Ride (8 Kms from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.); UWC – Ride for a Cause (8 Kms from 8.15 a.m. to 9.10 a.m.); and Chola Amateur Ride (24 Kms from 9.15 a.m. to 11 a.m.).
The event is open to students, homemakers, businessmen, and corporate professionals. Office goers these days who rarely find time for a work-out are taking to cycling to reach office as it helps them to stay healthy. To encourage corporate firms and educational institutions to participate in the event as a team, the organisers have instituted ‘Pedal Power Award’ which will be presented to the company or educational institution with maximum participation.
Speaking on this occasion, Rohit Kuttappa , MD, CRX Sports, said, “The first edition of the Chennai Cycling event in 2012 saw over 4,000 participants. This shows that the people of Chennai are on the road to a healthier lifestyle. Events such as this, give them the opportunity to come out and ride with the luxury of no traffic. The event is primarily aimed at promoting the sport and to cultivate cycling as a habit amongst all sections of society.”
L. Ramkumar, Managing Director, TI Cycles, Murugappa Group, said, “TI Cycles has always promoted fun, fitness and freedom. Our company’s objective is to promote cycling across the country through such an event.”
Rajan Srikanth, Member, United Way of Chennai, said, “Garnering support for a noble cause through such an event will definitely reach the people. By being part of the cycling event, not only are the participants going to benefit, they will also be reaching out to the larger society as proceeds from “Ride for a Cause” will support United Way Chennai for their various social and development projects”.
Ravikumar, Senior Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, Fortis Malar – Medical Director, said, “In the medical fraternity, we reiterate the role played by exercises and active lifestyle in health. Studies show that adults who cycle to work tend to be more in control of their weight, blood pressure and insulin levels. In fact, adolescents who bicycle frequently are 48 per cent less likely to be overweight as adults.” S. Radhakrishnan, Secretary, Tamil Nadu Cycling Association, and the manager of the Indian cycling team at the Asian Cycling Championships said, “An event such as this, helps increase the interest amongst the youngsters, in pursuing cycling as a sport.”
Cycling enthusiasts can register online at www.chennaicycling.com
Registration counters have been set up in offline locations such as the BSA Hercules stores and Café Coffee day outlets where you can walk in to register your name and ride category.
