Arrival of Iranians gives cycling event boost

A day after their visa issue was sorted out to end the uncertainty over their participation, the Iranian cyclists today arrived here for the Hero Asian Championships, giving the continental event the much-needed boost.
The arrival of a seven-member Iranian track riders would also bring greater competition in the championship, which gets underway at the IG Complex Velodrome here tomorrow.
The Iranians have two-time Asian Tour leader Shorab Mehdi in their ranks, along with UCI pro rider Amir Zargari -- both were doubtful starters for the event because of visa problems.
But with their visas being cleared, the organisers are now looking ahead to an action-packed championship for the next five days on the world class tracks at IG Complex before the cyclists move to the Buddha International Circuit for road races from March 13.

The second batch of Iranians, comprising of road riders, are expected to arrive here on March 11.
The competition at the Velodrome will be keenly fought among the cyclists from Iran, China, Hong Kong and Korea, apart from other central Asian countries.

The event, which is the largest ever held in Asia in terms of numbers, will feature senior and junior competitors in both the men's and women's category, including London Olympics multiple medal-winner Guo Shuang of China.
Besides Shuang, London Olympic bronze medallist Wai Sze Lee of Hong Kong, 2010 World Championship silver medallist Azizulhasni Awang of Malaysia will be among other top-notch riders who will participate in the track and road race of the high-profile event.

The event will award valuable points and set the ball rolling for the Rio Olympics in 2016.