Mumbai : India witnessed the 2nd Edition of the UCI certified, biggest cycling celebration of the nation – Godrej Eon 
Tour de India 2013, in association with Avon cycle in Mumbai, on December 15th. The cycling event was marked by the presence of Brand Ambassador John Abraham along with Cycling Federation of India’s Secretary General Onkar Singh ji, dignitaries from the ministry such as Chaggan Bhujbal, Sameer Bhujbal, Pankaj Bhujbal, Narayan Rane, Nilesh Rane, Sunil Prabhu. Also spotted at the event with the promoters Dr. Akil Khan, Vaibhav Maloo, Dr. Shakil Khan and Ojas Desai were celebrities like Hasleen Kaur, Amit Sadh, Murli Sharma, Shekar Suman, Adhyayan Suman among many others. The cycling event saw a turnout of around 8000+ participants who were seen enjoying their ride starting from Bandra Kurla Complex uptil Sea Link and back. Some of the biggest names from the world of cycling teams from across the countries (Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Europe) were seen competing with each other. The prize money for the International Elite cycling race was 19,000USD.
The event saw CFI approved riders from 6 nationalities taking part in International race. The event also witnessed a race between Stefan Voormans (International Para cycling Champion) and the RED FM Mascot – RJ J Man. Promoted by ID Sports, Cycling Federation of India and UCI and marketed by Total Sports Asia, the cycling event will culminate in Delhi NCR in Buddh International Circuit. The multi-city event will also tour Jaipur and Delhi on December 17th and 22nd respectively this year.
Ø Race Winners:
· International Cyclothon (70kms) – 1st Place Nuramirull Fakhruddin Muzuki – Malaysia, 2nd Place Mohd. Zulhilmie – Malaysia, 3rd Place Sachin Kumar – India
· Full Cyclothon (25kms)– 1st Place Hussain Korbu – Sangli, 2nd Place Niket Patil – Raigarh, 3rd Place Dilip Mane
· Half Cyclothon – (18.98kms) 1st Place Adil Niazi, 2nd place Viyay Kumar – Rajasthan, 3rd place Trilok Kumar – Rajasthan (Road, Hybrid, MTB),
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Green Cyclothon – (18.98kms) – All Corporates, NGO’s, Students & individuals participants were declared winners for being a part of the initiative)
Speaking at the event, Dr. Akil Khan, Chairman ID Sports said, “We are thrilled at the level of interest the event has attracted this year. We have been working hard to grow the event and develop it into a recognized international race capable of attracting good cyclists. Through Godrej Eon Tour de India we plan to match up to the largeness of Tour de France in the coming years; a cycling event that runs through 21 cities and the future of World cycling living in India. Just like today, we will see a lot of corporate participation, especially able champions, masses and international cyclists who are a part of top races of the world participating in the races scheduled in Jaipur and Delhi.”
Brand Ambassador, John Abraham on being associated with the Edition II of Tour De India says “I am very excited about my association with Tour De India because cycling has been a fun activity that is enjoyed by people every age. It is a fantastic workout that not only enables you to derive pleasure, but also goes a long way in ensuring your overall fitness. The best part about this sporting activity is that, you find cycling a delightful experience, without even realizing that it has benefited to your body. Thus, when you like pursuing a particular activity, then carrying it out doesn’t appear cumbersome to you.”
Kamal Nandi, Executive Vice President, Godrej Eon said, “The Green Cause has been imbibed in the DNA of Godrej since its very inception. We at Godrej Appliances are committed to this cause and have been pioneers in the industry in developing and promoting eco-friendly and energy- efficient products. Today under our corporate philosophy of ‘Good & Green’ we have started many initiatives. One of the many green projects closest to our hearts is the Godrej Eon One Watt Project which is about spreading awareness on energy conservation. Tour de India and cycling also promote a greener lifestyle which resonates well with our philosophy and hence we are supporting this event.”
Onkar Singh Secretary General, Cycling Federation of India said “We are extremely proud to flag-off the first race in the 2nd edition of Tour De India in Mumbai today. We look forward to celebrate this association as an exciting season of representing a great congruence of talent, cause and innovation. With this initiative, we aim at making cycling a part of a popular sporting culture in the country; encourage potential cycling superstars by providing them with a platform and an opportunity to develop their inherent talent into a real-life profession.”
Adding about the youth appeal, Ramesh Chembath, Assistant Vice President, Godrej Eon says, “Brighter living starts younger and that is the space where Godrej Appliances wants to establish a strong connection with its Eon brand & ‘Design by curiosity’ proposition. Hence, we at Godrej Eon are glad to be associated with Tour De India whose vision is to promote a healthy living amongst youngsters through the sport of Cycling”
Chaggan Bhujbal, Minister of Public Works & Special assistance department, Maharashtra state said, “Cycling is an evolving sport in our country and we are excited about getting connected to Tour De India, the biggest cyclothon in India. We are hoping to find an Indian champion through this property.”
Vaibhav Maloo, Managing Director, ID Sports and Chairman Enso Group added, “Ensocare is committed towards providing better healthcare to the masses. Though our association with Godrej Eon Tour De India, 2013, we intend to donate a share of proceedings to charity. This year a share of the proceeds will go towards World Vision, a humanitarian charitable organization.”
Mandeep Pawha, Director Sales Avon Cycles, said, “We are proud to be associated with a property that encourages cycling as a sport. Tour de India will be a major step towards building awareness and enthusiasm to pursue cycling as a serious sport and not just limit it to a hobby. Cycling also being our core endeavor, Avon Cycles team embraces Tour de India and we are happy to support the talent that will shine through this tournament.”
ID Sports has conducted 7 Cyclothons in the last 3 years, 1st year was in association with Salman Khan tapping 2 major metros close to 15,000 riders in Mumbai and Delhi and 2nd year saw the race going to Nasik ghats with finales again in Mumbai in 2011 with more than 17000 riders burning the roads followed by last year in 2012 when the race started from Sea Link Bandra to go across Dal lake in Srinagar and concluded at the Buddh Circuit in Delhi with 20,000 riders across 3 cities.
Joining Godrej Eon Tour de India in association with Avon Cycles; are associate sponsors such as Reliance Perfomax, Ensocare, and Money on Mobile. The webcast partner being Tata Communication, with lead car partner Renault motors, lead bike partner Honda Motors and Scooters India Pvt. Ltd., grooming partner Garnier Men, tyre partner Ralco. Also joining in as energy partner is Schneider Electric, hospitality partner- ITC Hotel, ticketing partner- Bookmyshow, fitness partner-Gold’s Gym, digital OOH partner-DSN, styling partner-Just Men, venue partner-Buddh International Circuit, education partner-Amity and fiction consultant as Pulp Fiction
ID Sports: Tour de India 2012 is a multiple-city cycling race promoted by ID Sports. ID Sports is India’s only company to bring International Cycling to India and lay the foundation of professional cycling races in India since 2010. Promotion of cycling as a sport and simultaneously State Tourism has always been one of the defining factors of various Cyclothons, Tour de Mumbai and Tour de Delhi organized by ID Sports. ID Sports is a IPR- Intellectual property rights holding company and is keen to foray into alternate non-cricketing sports.
Source : Sachin Murdeshwar