New cycles reach team for CWG preparations

Forty-six new cycles arrived in the capital from United Kingdom on September 12 but they were not released to the team immediately much to the disappointment of the cyclist. But they were today sent to NIS Patiala after getting custom clearance.

"The cycles have finally reached Patiala today early in the morning. It has reached the team and the team can now start practising on the new cycles," Cycling Federation of India Sports Manager Dipender Singh Rathore told PTI.

CFI, however, rued that no accessories like helmet, shoes and extra wheels, which are important for a good performance by the cyclists.

"No, we have not received accessories. Sports Authority of India (SAI) said they will purchase it themselves. Funds for cycles were given to another project," Rathore said.
CFI assistant secretary V N Singh said, "We have not received any kind of accessories with the cycles. I am not much bothered about the helmets. We can get good helmets from India too. But shoes play a very important role. Some custom made cycles need special shoes.

Moreover, there are no spare wheels, inner tubes and other kits."
"We are 10-15 years behind in terms of cycles. The cycles which we have received is of the best quality," he said.

Team coach Chayan Chowdhury said it was "dream come true" for the cyclists with the equipments reaching them.

"The cycles are of very good quality. In fact, the cycles are a dream come true for the Indian cycling team," said Chowdhury.

The cyclists are expected to reach here by the last week of this month.