HCL Cyclothon Gears Up for Its Debut in Hyderabad

Hyderabad:  HCL Group, a leading global conglomerate, unveiled the details of its upcoming HCL Cyclothon for cycling enthusiasts and the local community in the city of Hyderabad. Marking its debut in Telangana, this will be the HCL Cyclothon’s first edition in Hyderabad, following the immense success of previous editions in Noida and Chennai, which saw participation from over 7500 cyclists. HCL Cyclothon is being planned in association with the Government of Telangana and under the aegis of the Cycling Federation of India on December 15, 2024.  The winning prize purse of Rs 33.6 lakhs is the highest offered in any of the cycling races across India. Registrations are open till November 30, 2024, and interested participants can find details at www.hclcyclothon.com.

Hyderabad has made remarkable strides in promoting cycling as a sustainable mode of transportation, setting a new benchmark with its first-of-its-kind solar-roof cycling track. This solar roof not only powers the track but also contributes to a greener future, reinforcing the city’s commitment to active mobility and environmental sustainability. HCL Cyclothon’s arrival in Hyderabad adds momentum to the city’s vision of becoming a model for safer and greener urban living.

Mr. Jayesh Ranjan, IAS., Special Chief Secretary of Department of ITE&C and Department of I&C of the Government of Telangana graced the launch event as the Chief Guest. Mr. Rajat Chandolia, Associate Vice President and Head of Brand & Strategy at HCL Group and Mr. P. Malla Reddy, Vice Presidentat the Cycling Federation of India were also present to announce the initiative.

The theme of HCL Cyclothon 2024 is #ChangeYourGear, emphasizing the transformative power of cycling and its positive impact on individual well-being and environmental sustainability. Participation will happen in three key categories: Professionals, Amateurs and Green Ride.

Mr. Jayesh Ranjan, IAS., Special Chief Secretary of Department of ITE&C and Department of I&C of the Government of Telangana, said, “In Hyderabad, there is a growing enthusiasm for cycling, with infrastructure gradually expanding to meet this rising demand. The city has made remarkable strides in promoting cycling as a sustainable mode of transportation, setting a new benchmark with its first-of-its-kind solar-roof cycling track. The HCL Cyclothon coming to Hyderabad is a commendable initiative that encourages people to embrace cycling for a healthier lifestyle and a more sustainable environment. This aligns perfectly with our vision of transforming Hyderabad into a model city for cycling, focusing on safety, sustainability, and active living.”

Commenting on the announcement, Mr. Rajat Chandolia, Associate Vice President and Head of Brand & Strategy at HCL Group, said, “Cycling represents the next frontier in unlocking both human potential and urban sustainability, as recent studies have shown. At HCL, we see this as an excellent opportunity not only to promote physical fitness but also to inspire a broader cultural shift toward healthier, more sustainable urban living. Through initiatives like the Cyclothon, we aim to empower individuals while contributing to the development of a safer, greener Hyderabad. The potential for transformation is immense, and we are dedicated to driving this change forward.”

Remarking on the launch announcement, P. Malla Reddy, Vice President, Cycling Federation of India said, “HCL and CFI share a vision that goes beyond cycling as a lifestyle, aiming to elevate it into a competitive sport. The growth of cycling in India is truly inspiring, and with HCL’s leadership and investment, we are on the cusp of an exciting new chapter for the sport.”

HCL Cyclothon aims to provide a platform for professional and amateur cyclists to showcase their talent and inspire a new generation to take up cycling as a sport in India.

The category details are as follows:

Category	Description	Age-group	Distance
Professionals (CFI-certified cyclists)	Only CFI-licensed cyclists can participate in this category.   Prize money will be given to the top 10 male and female finishers including the top 3 female and male teams.	18-35 years	55km Road Race
Amateur	This is open for the Road Race and MTB (mountain bike) categories.   Prize money to be given to the top 3 males and females across age categories- 18-30, 30-40,40-50 and 50+	Age 18+	55km Road race 27km Road race   27km MTB race (Mountain Bike)
Green Ride	It’s a non-competitive ride to encourage cycling as an activity to stay fit and healthy.	16+ years	10km