International cyclist Bhalerao passes away

Pune, Nov 4 (UNI) Former international and noted cyclist B N Bhalerao passed away due to old age in Pune recently.

He was 95 and is survived by his wife, a son and a daughter.

Bhalerao who retired from the Ordnance factory, Dehu Road was very close associate of Bharat Ratna Dr B R Ambedkar. He represented India in the world cycling championship in 1950 and later also represented the country in the world youth championship at Romania.

Bhalerao was the first cyclist to win the Pune-Kolhapur- Pune cycle race held in 1964. He was the gold medalist of 1000 meters mass start race in the all Indian ordnance factories.

The first Indian Army Chief Gen Cariappa preesented him the medal.

Known for his passion for cycling, Bhalerao coached many top Pune cyclists who later made their mark in the gruelling Pune- Mumbai races. He also started Bharat Cycling Club to promote cyling which was then known as the poorman's sport.

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