March 19, 2003	Wednesday	Muharram 15, 1424

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LAHORE, March 18: Iranian cyclists will not take part in the NBP Tour de Pakistan Cycle Race which will be held from March 23 to April 4.

Pakistan Cycling Federation secretary, Idrees Haider Khawaja, said at a press conference on Tuesday that Iran had confirmed its entry for the race, but later withdrew it citing the current war- like situation in and around the region.

PCF secretary said that a total cash prize of Rs 110,000 would be awarded to the top six-position holders. The winner will get Rs 50,000, runners-up Rs 25,000, third place Rs 15,000, fourth Rs 10,000 and fifth and sixth position holders Rs 5,000 each.

Race schedule:

March 23: Karachi to Hyderabad (205 kilometres).

March 24: Hyderabad to Moro (178 kms).

March 25: Moro to Sukkur (177 kms).

March 26: Sukkur to Rahimyar Khan (180 kms).

March 27 Rest Day.

March 28:Rahimyar Khan to Bahawalpur (210 kms).

March 29: Bahawalpur to Multan (110 kms).

March 30: Multan to Sahiwal (188 kms).

March 31: Sahiwal to Lahore (200 kms).

April 1: Rest Day.

April 2: Lahore to Gujrat (130 kms).

April 3: Gujrat to Rawalpindi (180 kms).

April 4: Rawalpindi to Peshawar (176 kms).