Srinagar, Apr 30: After having bagged cross-country title Hilal Ahmad of first year made it two in two by cruising to victory in the annual cycle race organised by Islamia College of Science and Commerce here on Saturday.
The event was held from Kashmir University gate to Harwan garden via Fore Shore road, Nishat Crossing and Shalimar garden. It was flagged off by convenor college sports committee, Professor Abid Mirza.
Unlike previous couple of years when it was no guess that competition will neck to neck between some of the known cyclists of Valley, this time it was not known how the competition will turn out. Almost all the competitors were unknown in the cycling arena of the Valley hence no one knew what is in store. In total 96 cyclists of the college participated in the 12.3 kilometre event.
From the start Hilal who had on Wednesday bagged the college cross-country title took a comfortable lead which he maintained throughout the course. As their was no competition for the top slot then the tussle began between Ghulam Rasool and Ishfaq Bashir who were neck to neck till finish line. Hilal finished first with the timing of 23:15 while Ghulam Rasool of final year finished second with the timing of 25:22. Ishfaq Bashir of second year finished third with the timing of 25:55 while Hakeem Aabid of second year finished fourth with the timing of 26:14. Manzoor Hussain of first year finished fifth with the timing of 26:58.
Suhail Abass of first year, Muhammad Aarif of final year, Bilal Ahmad of first year, Aamir Gadoo of first year and Furqaan Ahmad of second year finished 6th to 10th respectively. Except few minor incidents the event passed smoothly.
Unlike the past traditions, Principal being the chief guest on the occasion and giving away prizes this time it was convenor college sports committee, Professor Abid Mirza who distributed prizes among the winners.
Speaking on the occasion, Mirza said, “It is great to see so many students participated in the event and completing it. I am happy to see students taking sports seriously. I tell you in today’s world sports are not just for recreation but if taken seriously it can be your career. I hope some of you will think seriously and pint point your strong hold and will go into sports field.”Expressing his happiness Hilal said, “I am delighted; I just made it double by winning both road and cycle race which is an achievement. To see that I won it easily makes it more special. As I have got cycling background I was confident to perform like this but for me cross-country was surprise as that is my weak link.”
“Now my focus is on Inter-College events and I am hopeful to win those as well and make my college proud” he added.

Lastupdate on : Sat, 30 Apr 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sat, 30 Apr 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sun, 1 May 2011 00:00:00 IST