NEW DELHI, March 5: In a first for Indian cycling, a franchise-based league is being planned in November this year with Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya calling the initiative a potentially “defining moment” for the sport that is still trying to find its footing in the country.
The eight-team Cycling League of India would be held in the second week of November in Ahmedabad, which is gunning for the 2036 Olympic hosting rights after bagging the 2030 Commonwealth Games.
“This launch marks a watershed moment in Indian sports. By introducing the world’s first franchise based road cycling league, we are not merely organising races but creating a professional ecosystem that will nurture talent, attract global attention and align with our vision of a fit and vibrant India,” Mandaviya said.“Whether it’s the Pune Grand Tour, this league in Ahmedabad, or Sunday on Cycle which happens every week at different places in the country. All of this, in the coming days, will establish cycling as a sport in India,” he added.
Each franchise will feature 10 cyclists, including two international riders, along with two junior Indian cyclists aimed at nurturing emerging home talent.The competitions will be conducted in three phases leading to a grand finale, with races featuring diverse formats such as criterium races, team time trials and mass start events.(PTI)
