R ARIVANANTHAM
CHENNAI, JULY 18
HCL Group, a leading global conglomerate, on Thursday announced the launch of the second edition of the HCL Cyclothon Chennai 2024. Unveiling event details and the registration process, HCL extended an invitation to cycling enthusiasts and the local community. HCL also announces that it has expanding this sports event to Hyderabad and the current edition of HCL Cyclothon will be held in Hyderabad on December 8, 2024.
Chennai, here we come again! After an incredible turnout in Noida with over 2500 cyclists, get ready for the second edition of HCL Cyclothon Chennai on October 6, 2024! Join us for an exhilarating ride along the ECR. Register now with friends & family at https://t.co/xqQNhfy2I7! pic.twitter.com/DbYoPqOZja
— HCL Enterprise (@HCLEnterprise) July 18, 2024
Following two successful editions in Noida and one in Chennai with participation from over 5,000 cyclists, the HCL Cyclothon Chennai 2024 will take place on October 6, 2024, starting from Mayajaal Multiplex. Powered by the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) and under the aegis of the Cycling Federation of India, this event offers an impressive prize pool of Rs 33 lakhs. Registrations are open until September 22, 2024. For more details, visit www.hclcyclothon.com
- The race will start and finish at Mayajaal Multiplex, ECR, Chennai
- The theme is #ChangeYourGear which focuses on the transformative power of cycling and its positive impact on individual well-being
- Powered by the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) and under the aegis of the Cycling Federation of India, this event offers an impressive prize pool of Rs 33 lakhs
- Registrations are open until September 22, 2024
- Asian Cycling Federation (ASI) plans to bring Asian Cycling Championship to Chennai during 2026: Onkar Singh, Secretary General at the Asian Cycling Federation
Meghanatha Reddy, Member Secretary of the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) participated as the chief guest. Dignitaries – Onkar Singh, Secretary-General at the Asian Cycling Confederation and Sundar Mahalingam, President of Strategy at HCL Corporation, were also present.
The theme of this edition is #ChangeYourGear emphasizing the transformative power of cycling and its positive impact on individual well-being and environmental sustainability. The previous edition of HCL Cyclothon Chennai was held in October 2023 and witnessed the participation of over 1,100 cyclists pedaling on the ECR Road. The race will start and finish at Mayajaal Multiplex, covering a route that includes MGM Dizzee World, Dhanlakshmi Srinivasan College of Engineering, and Mattukadu Boat House, with the route tailored as per different categories.
Commenting on this, Dr. Atulya Mishra, Additional Chief Secretary, Govt. of Tamil Nadusaid, “We are excited to witness the second edition of the HCL Cyclothon in Chennai. HCL’s dedication to promoting sports and fitness through such initiatives is commendable. This event not only fosters community spirit and athleticism but also contributes to a healthier future for our city. By encouraging active participation in sports, HCL is making a positive impact on Chennai’s development.”
Launching the HCL Cyclothon 2024 Jersey along with dignatories Meghanatha Reddy, Member Secretary of the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) appeals HCL Cyclothon 2024 authorities to attract more number of Cyclists from remote hinterland from the state.
Meghanatha Reddy further said, “We were the first state to launch ‘Tamil Nadu Champions Foundation’ with the initial contribution from Honourable Chief Minister M K Stalin, who himself is a cycle enthusiast. With the help of receiving CSR funds, the Sports Development Authority of Tamilnadu (SDAT) helped over 400 athletes” he added.
Commenting on the announcement, Sundar Mahalingam, President of Strategy at HCL Group, said, “By cultivating a culture of cycling, we aspire to inspire individuals and communities to come together, stay active, and contribute to a greener, healthier environment, truly embodying our brand purpose, ‘Human Potential Multiplied’. Through HCL Cyclothon, we aim to transform the cycling landscape in India by motivating people to take up cycling not just as a sport but as their way to a healthy lifestyle.”
Remarking on the launch announcement, Onkar Singh, Secretary General at the Asian Cycling Federation said, “Our combined efforts with HCL to promote cycling as both a lifestyle and a competitive sport are truly admirable. The rise of cycling in India is inspiring, and with HCL’s significant contributions, we look forward to a bright and exciting future for the sport in the country.”
Onkar Singh also announced that Asian Cycling Federation (ASI) plans to bring Asian Cycling Championship to Chennai during 2026 and sought the help of Tamil Nadu government to conduct the event in a grand scale.
Cycling Federation of India, the national governing body of cycle racing in India will provide technical support basis their knowledge and expertise.
The event 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 event 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+ |
Elite: 18-35 years;
Masters: 35+ years |
55km Road race
24km Road race
24km 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 | 15km |
