HCL Cyclothon Noida 2025: Rajat Chandolia Highlights Growth, Government Backing, and Future Vision

Add as a preferred source on Google

The HCL Cyclothon 2025, Delhi NCR's biggest cycling event, is set to take place on March 23, 2025, in Noida/Greater Noida. Conducted in partnership with the Uttar Pradesh Government and under the aegis of the Cycling Federation of India (CFI), this event aims to bring together cycling enthusiasts and first-time riders for a celebration of fitness, wellness, and sustainability.

Since its inception in 2023, the HCL Cyclothon has rapidly gained prominence. Now held annually in Noida, Chennai, and Hyderabad, the highly-anticipated competition has so far attracted approximately 12,000 cyclists. The upcoming event is going to be the third edition.

In an exclusive conversation with myKhel, Rajat Chandolia, AVP and Head of Brand at HCL Group, shared insights into the preparations, challenges, and the growing support from both the administration and the cycling community that are set to make this edition the most successful yet. The competition, across various categories, will begin at Gaur City Mall, Greater Noida.

Growing Participation and Enhanced Support

One of the major highlights of this year's edition is the increased number of participants, with overall 2,500 registrations received. Chandolia stressed upon the crucial role played by the administration, particularly the Noida Authority and the Police Commissioner, in ensuring smooth execution.

"We have received immense support from the authorities, which helps in managing security, road diversions, and overall event execution. This ensures a seamless experience for both participants and the general public," he said.

Expanding the Outreach: Corporate and Collegiate Participation

The 2025 edition also aims to expand its outreach to corporate participants, encouraging companies to register their employees in large numbers. "We are targeting major corporate houses and looking at significant participation from them. The idea is to promote cycling as a lifestyle, not just an event," Chandolia added.

Additionally, efforts are being made to involve college students, particularly from institutions like Amity University and Gautam Buddha University, to cultivate a cycling culture among the youth.

Government Collaboration and Future Plans

HCL is actively engaging with the government to introduce policies that encourage cycling in urban areas. Discussions are underway to secure dedicated cycling lanes and periodic road closures to promote cycling events.

"We are exploring the possibility of getting a dedicated cycling route every month or week in Noida, which would allow enthusiasts to train in a safer environment," Chandolia revealed.

Competitive Edge and Prize Pool

The event features multiple categories, including the Amateur Road + Hybrid (55 km) and Amateur MTB (27 km), Professional Road Race (50 km), Amateur Road Race (60 km), Amateur MTB Road Race (26 km), Amateur Road Race (26 km), and the Green Ride (10 km).

CFI-affiliated professional cyclists, both men and women, will also participate, making it a highly competitive race. This edition will see ₹33.6 lakh prize purse - the highest for any cycling race in India.

Encouraging Women's Participation

Women's participation in cycling events has been steadily growing, and Chandolia is optimistic about further increases in 2025. "We are working with corporate partners to encourage more women to participate. Women's representation has been around 15-20%, but we believe structured support and awareness campaigns can drive this number up," he noted. Signalling towards the same vision, Smt Laxmi Singh (IPS), the Police Commissioner of Gautam Buddha Nagar, has been invited as the chief guest.

A Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, HCL aims to expand the Cyclothon to more cities while incorporating specialized cycling events tailored for professionals and enthusiasts alike. "Cycling is more than a sport; it's a movement towards a healthier and greener future. Our goal is to create a sustainable ecosystem that encourages more people to adopt cycling as a way of life," Chandolia concluded.

With increased administrative support, a strong corporate push, and a growing community of cycling enthusiasts, the HCL Cyclothon 2025 promises to be a landmark event in India's cycling landscape.