Iranian rider grabbed the leaders yellow jersey after he won the 205km Karachi to Hyderabad first stage in the Tour de Pakistan International Cycle Race on Friday. He covered the distance in three hours, 42 minutes two seconds to lead the pack of 72-cyclists featuring in this 12-day race. Muhammad Asif of Pakistan Railways finished second while German cyclist Thomas Lauterbach finished third and another Iranian rider Maysem Keyani was fourth.
Haroon Rasheed (Wapda), Naeem Baloch (SSGC) and former Tour de Pakistan champion Dilsher Ali (WAPDA) secured the other three positions.
Defending Champion Zahid Gulfam of SSGC could not finish among the top seven.
1709km race will terminate at Qua Bala Hisar on Pakistan Day on March 23.
The winner of the race, which is a test of stamina and endurance will get a lucrative purse of US$10,000 (around Rs 600,000) 178-km Hyderabad to Moro second stage will start on Saturday
Earier in the morning, Sindh Governor, Dr Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan, has said that presence of international cyclists here and their participation in the Tour de Pakistan Cycle race is not only an honour for Sindh but also a positive impression is being established across the globe about Pakistan that it is a safe country and a sporting nation besides being hospitable.
He was speaking as chief guest at the start of international cycling race which pedalled off from the Mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam.
The Governor said that our national team which comprises cyclists from WAPDA, Army, Railway and SSGC will not only learn from race techniques but also gain better experience where after they would be able to particpate in international cycling race outside Pakistan.
He said it was a delightful occasion for him to inaugurate the 12th Tour de Pakistan cycle race from the Quaid's Mausoleum and in which cyclists from Germany, Iran, Afghanistan and Bangladesh are also taking part.
On the occasion, the Governor announced an award money of Rs 0.5 million for cyclists on behalf of Sindh government.
At the outset, the Provincial Minister for Sports, Qamar Mansoor said that present government is working for the promotion of cycling.
He recalled that a cycle race was organised from Karachi to
Hyderabad six months back. At that time SSGC had demanded of Sindh government the construction of velodrum and the same had been fulfilled within six months and included in the schemes for Sindh.
He informed that PC-1 of Velodrum is being prepared and its ground breaking ceremony will be held during this year.
Later Governor Ishrat-ul-Ebad alongwith Sports Minister Qamar Mansoor, Managing Director SSGC Munawar Baseer along with participating cyclists, pedalled to the specified point marking the inauguration of the race.
The President of Pakistan Cycling Federation, officials of Sindh
Cycling Association and organisers of Tour de Pakistan were also present on the occasion.
On Thursday night, the Sindh Chief Minister Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim has said that government will make all out efforts for the promotion of sports and welfare of sportsmen.
He said that sports not only promote the youth's mental and physical abilities, but also play an important role in bringing fame and prestiege to the country.
He was speaking as chief guest at a function held in connection with the 12th Tour de Pakistan International Cycle Race at a local hotel here. On the occasion, the Chief Minister announced a grant of Rs 0.5million for the Federaion.
Comments
Comments are closed.