New Delhi: Over 5000 cyclists of various age groups poured in for the 'Hero Cycles India Cyclothon', in which Harpreet Singh (Center of Excellence) emerged triumphant in the Elite National Race.

The event was held under the aegis of Cycling Federation of India (CFI) and promoting the cause of cycling and a greener environment were among others Formula One racer Narain Karthikeyan, IOA President VK Malhotra, CFI chief PS Dhindsa, Hero Motors.

The Delhi chapter of the cyclothon was inaugurated by Hero Motors MD Pankaj Munjal and Dhindsa.

The first ride of the Cyclothon, the Elite National Race featuring top cyclists from India was a 64km race and the total prize money for this race was Rs 5 lakh.

The race saw a close finish with Harpreet Singh (Center of Excellence) with 20 points finishing first winning a prize money of Rs 1,25,000.

Finishing at a close second was Rajender Bishnoi (Rajasthan) with 20 points securing a prize of money of Rs 80,000. In the third place was Arvind Panwar of Delhi with 12 points, taking home Rs 50,000.

The different categories of races included 64 km elite race, 10 Km Green ride, 20 km FICCI corporate ride, 10 km green ride, 20 km GMR amateur ride and 5km Parle-G Junior ride.
This was first time that officials from National Dope Control Agency (NADA) had taken samples for first three riders and three random samples of riders participated in the Race.

At the event P.S. Dhindsda said, “The Hero Cycles India Cyclothon is a wonderful event. In addition to promoting the sport of cycling among the public at large it provides National cyclists a platform to prove their talent as well as earn prize money. We thank Hero Cycles and Sport18 for launching this wonderful initiative.”