- Team dominates the event by grabbing three of the top 4 spots
- Devendra Thakur from Hero Action Team finishes the 36 km race in just under 50 minutes to win the tournament
NewZNew (New Delhi – Kulbir Singh Kalsi) : Hero Action Team, India’s first professionally managed mountain biking team, dominated the proceedings at the 2nd edition of Decathlon Sports Carnival in Mohali by winning the keenly contested cycling event. Devendra Thakur from Hero Action Team won the gruelling race by finishing the 36-km race in just under 50 minutes while his teammate Shiven Sharma finished a close second in the event. Sanchit Sharma finished fourth to complete the domination of Hero Action Team at the event.
All the five members of the Hero Action Team – Ankush Arya, Devendra Thakur, Gurman Reen, Sanchit Sood and Shiven Sharma participated in the individual Cyclothon event organised as part of this three-day mega sports event.
Congratulating the team on the triumph, Mr Pankaj Munjal, Co-Chairman and Managing Director of Hero Cycles said, “We extend our hearty congratulations to Hero Action Team on winning the event. This victory has added another feather in their cap. We really appreciate the efforts the team puts in their training which shows in the vigour with which they are transcending each milestone quickly. We look forward to more such wins.”
Over 32 participants across three states Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh participated in the cyclothon. Fighting the freezing cold, cyclists pedalled in and around Mohali that covered not only the highway but also the tricky routes within the city. Speaking about the participation of the team Ashish Sood, manager of the Hero Action Team said, “We are very excited with the win. Though we were confident about our chances, grabbing three out of the four top spots has given our confidence an extra boost. We look forward to competing with professional cyclists from across the country and will strive to prove ourselves no matter how tough the competition is.”
Hero Action Team uses UT bikes, India’s most trusted mountain biking brand of cycles, to compete in all cycling events. Hero Action Team is sponsored by Hero Cycles, world’s largest bicycle manufacturer, and managed by HASTPA (Himalyan Adventure Sports and Tourism Promotion Association) in a joint effort to promote mountain biking in India.
About Hero Cycles Limited
Incorporated in 1956, Hero Cycles Limited is the largest cycle manufacturer in the world. The company has a manufacturing capacity of 7.5 million bicycles per year, with its unit in Ludhiana (Punjab), Bihar & Ghaziabad. The company has highly integrated plant in Ludhiana which produces 19,000 cycles everyday. It also manufactures automotive rims and various other auto components. The company produced 5.5 million bicycles in FY14 and sales of Rs 2,000 cr.
Hero Cycles is a leader in both the standard and special bicycle segments in India, with an overall market share of about 35%. The company is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure and the most modern machinery. The Company also entered the premium bicycle segment with the launch of its new brand, Urban Trail, in February 2012. A nation-wide distribution network with over 2,200 dealers and the favorable location of its plants near vendors support its operations and facilitate competitive pricing of its bicycles.
Hero Cycles also exports to various countries in Middle East, Africa, Asia and Europe.