Over 100 cyclists to participate in 2014 Track Asia Cup

New Delhi, Nov 17 (IANS)

More than 100 cyclists from seven countries, including India, will participate in the Track Asia Cup 2014 to be held at the Indira Gandhi Stadium Velodrome Nov 21-23, the organisers said Monday.

The organisers said hosting "one of the most prestigious events in the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) calendar" will give a huge boost to the sport in the country.

The three-day continental event will be held concurrently in both the junior and senior categories.

The organisers said the upcoming event is a Class I event certified by the UCI and is recognised as an Olympic qualifier.

Apart from the hosts, six countries are set to participate in various categories, the teams being Hong Kong, Thailand, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan.

"It is a first such opportunity for the India cyclists to garner vital points and help the country qualify for the 2016 Rio Games," Onkar Singh, secretary, organising committee, said at a press conference here.

He said the organisers will provide free boarding and lodging to all participants.

India will be fielding two teams in the competition. Apart from the national team, promising riders from Railways and Services have also been allowed to participate in the event to gain exposure.

"I am hopeful of a good show from our cyclists in the event and hopefully we will bag a lot of points in our goal of qualifying for the Olympics," Onkar Singh said.