LAHORE, April 12: Tour de Pakistan cycle race will be held from Nov 6-18 and is likely to be contested by a number of foreign teams, said Pakistan Cycling Federation (PCF) secretary Idris Haider Khawaja on Wednesday.

He said the invitation has been extended to 16 countries including Germany, Australia, Austria and a number of other countries. “We are hoping teams from Gulf states besides South Asian countries and Europe will confirm their participation in the elite event which is a regular annual event,” he said.

Khawaja said the foreign winning team will receive a cash prize of US$10000 whereas a total cash prize of Rs one million will also be put up for local winners.

PCF official said the national federation was ensuring all possible measures to develop the game at all levels besides women.

“We have a comprehensive activity programme and we are confident to raise overall standard of the game in coming years,” he said adding “at the moment the performance of the cyclists is not at par with the international standards.”

Khawaja said the existing velodrome will soon be demolished and a new modern cycling arena will be built at a cost of Rs 48 million.

He said the team of experts and builders which will construct the velodrome will visit Iran to see such a latest facility which has been built in Teheran.

“With the creation of this state of the art facility we would be able to improve overall timing which will gradually help our riders to gain some status at Asia level,” he asserted.

PCF secretary said the marketing wing of the federation has failed to generate sponsorships and funds and its performance is under scrutiny and a decision will soon be taken replace its head, Yasin Chaudhary.

“The concerned marketing official has sought some time in order to revive the marketing wing and we will come up with a decision soon,” he added.—APP