The two-day State-level mountain cycling championship began on at Kumatagi village on Saturday and around 100 cyclists from around eight districts are taking part. This is the first time that Vijayapura is hosting the State-level event, which is being organised by the Karnataka State Amature Cycling Association.
“The district has already hosted track events on many occasions, but it is for the first time that we are hosting mountain cycling or cross-country cycling here,” said, Raju Biradar, district president of the cycling association.
He said that after a month-long survey, the committee decided to hold the event in Kumatagi village as the terrain and the five-kilometre route proved to be ideal for the championship.
He said that since mountain cycling event demands rough and uneven terrain which could pose challenge to the cyclists, the route selected by the committee meets the requirement. Mr. Biradar said that cyclists from districts, such as Vijayapura, Bagalkot, Belagavi, Mysuru and Bidar, are participating in the championship. The event is being held for cyclists in the age groups of 14, 16 and 18. It is being held in both the male and the female category.He said that about a dozen national-level cyclists, including Geetanjali Jotappanavar of Vijayapura, who has won silver and bronze medals in national events is participating in the event.
The cyclists had to complete three laps of five kilometres each. The event will also be used to select cyclists for a national-level event to be held in Pune in November this year, he said.
Mr. Biradar however regretted that with literally no support from the government, the entire event is being held with the financial support of donors and cycling enthusiasts.
Yellappa Gangannavar, a canteen contractor for cycling event, who is also a cycling enthusiast, has spent a major amount for holding the event.
He said that since he wishes youngsters of north Karnataka to achieve higher position in cycling, he is spending from his own pocket for the event to encourage cycling.
