National Road Cycling begins in Bagalkot from Oct 17

Bangalore, Oct 14 (UNI) More than 550 cyclists from 21 States and Seven Sports Boards, will be seen in action in the 14th National Road Cycling Championship to be held at sugar town of Bagalkote in Karnataka from October 17 to 21.

Organising Committee Chairman and former MP Siddu Nyamagouda told newsmen that defending Champions Kerala, Maharashtra, Punjab, Punjab Police and Indian Railways will be the strong contenders to dethrone five time National Champions Karnataka.

In the 13th Championship held in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka finished runner up in the overall championship while Kerala bagged the title.

The national team for the 2010 Commonwealth Games to beheld in Delhi, would be selected based on the performance of this nationals, he said.

In all 37 Boys and 36 Girls teams would be participating in the Championship to be held in categories for Under 13, 15, 17 and Under 19. All together there would be 26 events for both Boys and Girls.

Siddu said the hosts Karnataka comprising of 22 Boys and 13 Girls had been undergoing one month long training camp at Bagalkot.

The event carries a total prize money of Rs five lakh.

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