LAHORE, Dec 23: Fifty cyclists from all seven affiliated units of Pakistan Cycling Federation (PCF) will take part in the Champion of Hills cycle race to be held from Rawalpindi to Muree on Thursday.

PCF secretary Khawaja Idrees Haider said on Tuesday that each department was allowed to enter five to eight cyclists for the race.

The race starts at 8.45am and is likely to reach its destination, Jinnah Hall, Murree at about 11am.

Khawaja pointed out that it was a tough competition, as the entire route of the race was an uphill track and the destination was 8,000 feet above sea level. Each cyclist would have to cover a hilly distance of 72 kilometres.

Murad Ali of NWFP will defend his title. Murad had clocked two hours 10 mins and 15 secs to win the previous edition of the race.