KARACHI: A cyclist, who was believed to have gone missing in the midst of a race, resurfaced two days later, DawnNews reported on Tuesday.

Habibullah, who was among the cyclists participating in a race organised by the Pakistan Cycling Federation (PCF), was found missing on the way from Hyderabad to Karachi when the entourage reached Karachi’s toll plaza. Following a two-day search, it was revealed that the 17-year-old cyclist had instead decided to take a detour and headed home to Quetta, as others made their way to the finish line.

According to the report, Habibullah’s cycle broke down close to the Karachi Toll Plaza. Upon realising that he did not have enough money to take the bus to his hometown, Habib pledged his broken-down cycle as collateral in return for a bus ride to Quetta.

Race organisers came under heavy criticism from sports officials and race participants during the two-day period of Habib’s ‘mysterious’ disappearance, while the teenager remained oblivious to the ruckus he had caused in the sporting circles.