Policemen, college girls pedaled to promote cycling as a healthy lifestyle
News Alliance
NATIONAL, March 23, 2025: HCL Group hosted the third edition of the HCL Cyclothon in Noida, bringing together over 2,600 cycling enthusiasts from 24 states of India. The race kicked off from Gaur City Chowk covering an extended 10km loop along the Noida-Greater Noida link road. Participants included 150 professional cyclists, 1,350 amateur riders, and 1,100 green riders, alongside 150 policemen and 65 college girls from nearby villages.
Organized under the aegis of the Cycling Federation of India (CFI) in association with the Government of Uttar Pradesh and supported by the Uttar Pradesh Police Department, the event featured Asia’s largest prize purse for a cycling race ₹33.6 lakhs. Laxmi Singh, Commissioner of Police, Gautam Budh Nagar, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, joined by Shikhar Malhotra, Director, HCL Group and CEO & Vice-Chairman of HCL Healthcare and Maninder Singh, Secretary General, CFI, as Guests of Honour.
Since its launch in 2023, HCL Cyclothon has rapidly grown into one of India’s premier road cycling events. Now held annually in Noida, Chennai, and Hyderabad, it has so far attracted approximately 12,000 cyclists from 24 states. With strong support from state governments, the event provides a safe, vehicle-free environment, encouraging participation from amateur cyclists while offering a competitive platform for CI-certified professionals. HCL Cyclothon has emerged as a catalyst for a nationwide fitness movement, inspiring people to adopt healthier, and more active lifestyles.
The Cyclothon featured various categories to encourage participation across age groups and skill levels, including the Professional Road Race (50 km), Amateur Road Race (60 km), Amateur MTB Road Race (26 km), Amateur Road Race (26 km), and the Green Ride (10 km).
Laxmi Singh, reflecting on the success of the event, she said, “It is heartening to see an initiative like HCL Cyclothon encouraging fitness and community engagement in Noida. Events like these not only promote health but also strengthen our vision for a safer and greener city. We look forward to making Noida a hub for cycling and fitness.”
HCL also honored the Noida Traffic Police Department by presenting them with water bottles, bags, and smartwatches in recognition of their support for the Cyclothon.
Speaking about the event’s growing impact, Shikhar Malhotra, stated, “Cycling is a powerful way to unlock human potential and promote a healthy lifestyle. The enthusiastic response to HCL Cyclothon, including the third edition in Noida and previous editions in Chennai and Hyderabad, is truly inspiring. We are grateful to the participants who joined us in championing fitness and community spirit.”
Winners’ details are mentioned below -
Professional Category (Female)
Winner: Swasti Singh (Odisha)
Runner-up: Chayanika Gogoi (RSPB)
2nd Runner-up: Muskan (Gujarat)
Professional Category (Male)
Winner: Sahil Kumar (IAF)
Runner-up: Surya Thathu (Maharashtra)
2nd Runner-up: Dinesh Kumar (IAF)
HCL also announced plans to activate a designated area in Noida one Sunday each month starting May 2025, transforming it into a hub for fitness activities and cycling initiatives.
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