A musical flag-off to Delhi's premier cyclothon

Professional cyclists, amateur cycling enthusiasts, some of the top Indian sportspersons, politicos and even a Bollywood star came together for Saksham Pedal – billed as Delhi's premier

cyclothon

. Thousands of cyclists took to Delhi roads on Sunday morning and began the races before dawn starting from the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. They competed in various categories such as elite men and elite women (both for professionals), road, MTB, and open ride (for amateurs). The event was supported by the

Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas

, and ONGC.

Hundreds of cyclists began the race from Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium early Sunday morning (BCCL/ Nishad Alam)

The final race of the morning – the Green Run – to promote awareness about pollution and environment, was flagged off by actor Farhan Akhtar. The flag-off was a bit more musical than most would have expected. Actor and BJP Delhi President Manoj Tiwari, who was also present, was requested by Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan to sing his 'cycle wala gaana'. Tiwari revealed that the song was from one of his movies and espoused the benefits of cycling, before crooning a few lines from it. Even Farhan Akhtar got in the mood and added a cycling twist to his famous song 'Rock On', singing "Dil karta hai cycle par main chadh jaoon, pedal-pedal karke yeh sabse keh doon, rock on!" to loud applause from the hundreds of cyclists.

Farhan Akhtar (BCCL/ Nishad Alam)

Dharmendra Pradhan, Manoj Tiwari and north-west Delhi MP

Udit Raj

led the ride with over 500 riders following them. Sportspersons like cricketers Praveen Kumar and Munaf Patel, Arjuna Awardee cyclist Amar Singh, boxer Shiva Thapa, chess grandmaster Sasikaran, sprinter MR Poovamma, and hockey player Devindar Walmiki were also present at the flag-off. Talking about the significance of cycling, minister Dharmendra Pradhan said, "If we all decide to leave our cars and bikes for a day and cycle to work, it will benefit not just our health but also the environment. In addition, you will help ease traffic on the roads and less fuel will be used."

Onkar Singh, Secretary General, Cycling Federation of India and Amar Singh (BCCL/ Nishad Alam)

Manoj Tiwari (L) and Dharmendra Pradhan (BCCL/ Nishad Alam)

The riders said they got the best of both worlds – a chance to meet Farhan and be part of a great ride. Ravneet from Gurgaon, who participated in the 9km run, said, "It was a fun way to begin the morning. What I liked was that instead of just a handful of riders that we have every Sunday, through this ride, I was able to cycle along the Delhi streets with hundreds of riders, and of course, meeting Farhan was the icing on the cake." A few riders requested Farhan to join them too and even though the actor did not cycle, he promised to do so soon. He said, "I cycle every morning in Delhi, or rather whenever possible. So I feel great coming here today. And I promise that the next time this event happens - be it here or in Mumbai, I would cycle along with you guys. But it's great to see the enthusiasm of the riders here today."

Munaf Patel and Udit Raj (BCCL/ Nishad Alam)

MR Poovamma and Shiva Thapa (BCCL/ Nishad Alam)

Devindar Walmiki (L) takes a selfie (BCCL/ Nishad Alam)