Chitwan, April 9: A 65 km cycling marathon began here this morning. The two-hour competition started from the Narayani river bank and will end after the cyclists return to complete at Narayani again.    

There are five categories to vie for in the competition. Elite Men 19 Plus, Elite Women 19 Plus, Master Men 30 Plus, Grand Master Men 50 Plus and Chitwan special, according to Competition coordinator Shanta Kumar Darai.    

The first-place winners will be awarded Rs 45,000 for men and women above 19 years of age, Rs 25,000 for those above 30 years of age, Rs 20,000 for women above 50 years of age and Rs 20,000 each for men and women in the Chitwan Special category.    

According to the organizers, the competition is being held to increase the use of bicycles in the Bharatpur metropolis with the objective of conveying the message that the road project under construction in Bharatpur metropolis is bicycle-friendly and also supports environmental protection.    

Cyclists from Kathmandu, Hetauda, Pokhara, Bara, Parsa and the APF are participating in the competition.    

CPN (Maoist Centre) Chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda flagged off the marathon on the banks of Narayani this morning.