ITANAGAR, Apr 21: Thirty cyclists from across the country ranging from professionals to amateurs will undertake a 124-km journey spanning eight hours to take part in the state's first and longest single-day cross-country cycling competition.
The state tourism department along with the Itanagar Cycling Association today officially launched its logo and merchandise for the ‘Pedal 2 Pakke’ cross-country marathon (referred to as an XCM) to be held on April 24.
The cyclists are expected to arrive in the state capital on April 23 and set-off for the marathon early next day from the Yupia tri-junction where they begin their journey.
The director of the Itanagar Cycling Meet, Ijum Gadi, informed that 25 percent of the route for the marathon is off-road and that around 75 percent of it is uphill. At its highest point, the elevation reaches 7,000 feet.
Gadi informed that 15 cyclists from outside the state including Assam, Meghalaya, Maharashtra, Nagaland, and Karnataka will be participating in the competition. 15 cyclists from the state will also be taking part including Ahondo Menjo, who in 2019 won the XCO MTB Challenge at Guwahati organized by the Assam Cycling Association.
Three women cyclists have also confirmed their participation. He also said that initially they had planned to invite more cyclists but the surge in Covid figures across the country has dampened those plans.

Gadi also explained that the official logo that features the silhouette of a Nyishi man sporting the traditional byopa (cap) riding a cycle.
He said that the logo represents the amalgamation of culture and eco-tourism.
“Arunachal has many beautiful places and Pakke is one of those that is also very accessible from the capital,” he said when explaining the reason for selecting the place for the first such marathon.
The competitors will have eight hours to reach Pakke to finish the race to be considered for qualification.
Apart from the podium prizes, the competition will also honour the 4th & 5th positions and the ‘most promising rider’ on April 25. The day will also host a recreational cycling hike to create awareness on the environment and a cleaning drive.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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