Azernews.Az

By Amina Nazarli

Azerbaijan Cycling Federation will organize a cycling competition for Baku' schools on March 4.

The event is dedicated to March 5 – the day of Sports and Physical Culture. With the support of the Sabail Youth and Sport Administration, the Federation will set up the Velopark’s cycle lanes for riders starting at 11:00 a.m.

Up to 20 teams from different schools will compete.

Three men and one woman from each participating team will compete in a relay race.

The top three qualified teams will get prizes ranging from 200, 150 and 100 manats. The winners will also receive medals and cups.

In December last year there was another School Cup competition held for the Narimanov district schools. It aimed to prepare and encourage Azerbaijan' youth to participate in competitive sports.

One of the main commitments standing as a priority for the Cycling Federation is to establish new cycling schools and clubs across Azerbaijan's provinces, as well as stimulating the young generation into loving the sport.

The federation has enrolled a number of young energetic enthusiasts to train them in view of competing in the International, Olympic and World Championships.

At the moment cycling schools and clubs running in Azerbaijan receive both material and moral supports from the Federation.

The first professional cycling competition was held in Azerbaijan in May 2012 with the participation of 17 teams from 15 countries.

Holding the annual cycling competition in Azerbaijan shows the rising domestic interest in the sports.

A lack of cycling tracks and cycling sport infrastructure remain obstacles to be overcome in view of promoting the speedy development of the sports in the city. The state has already taken a series measures to develop cycling. A bike park was recently opened in Baku. The government is also planning to construct cycling tracks.

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Amina Nazarli is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli

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