KARACHI, Feb 13 (APP): The first stage of gruelling 1648-kilometer 13th Tour de Pakistan Cycle race pedal-off from the Mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam on March 4. 11-stage race will start from Karachi and conclude at Peshawar on March 18 after crossing from various cities of Sindh, Punjab and NWPF on the famous the Grand Trunk (GT) Road. Besides foreign participants, teams from Pakistan Army, WAPDA, SSGC, Railways etc would be battling for honours in the race. 153-KM Karachi to Hyderabad first stage will be flagged-off from Mazar-e-Quaid. Sindh Chief Secretary Fazal-ur-Rehman called for joint coordination for success of the race during a meeting on Tuesday.
He told a meeting held with Pakistan Cycling Federation office bearers and other officials which was held to review arrangements, that it should be memorable event like in the past. Former Deputy Speaker Sindh Assembly Abdul Bari Jilani led the PCF delegation at the meeting which was also attended by Additional Chief Secretary Nazar Hussain Mehar, SSP Security Amin Yousufzai and others. Besides foreign riders teams Sindh, Punjab, NWFP and Balochistan departmental like Pakistan Army, WAPDA, Railways and Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) would be taking part in the race. Meeting was informed that around 150 riders would be featuring in the race.
Besides Individual event, team contest will also be part of the race. The CS said foolproof security arrangements would be made throughout the Sindh province for caravan during their 644 KM Sindh route.He said all the DPOs of the districts will be responsible for boarding and lodging of the participants.
