The top and first International cyclist of J&K, Mohammad Akber Khan is all set to take part in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) cycling tour on March 1 in Abu Dhabi.
The experienced cyclist of Kashmir will leave for taking part in the event from Srinagar on February 27. He will be participating in the UAE Tour Challenge Stage 4. The competition is conducted by Governments of UAE together and is one of the top professional races of the World.
The fourth Stage of UAE Tour Challenge would be held on Jebel Jais Mountain and has got total distance of 46-kilometres. The race also has got the backing of UCI which is international cycling governing body. It will be first time that any rider from Kashmir would be taking part in such high profile cycling event.
For the event, Akber would be accompanied by sports promoter Arif Laigaroo who will act as his manager during the event.
“It has always been my dream to be part of such high profile event. I have already done the registration and would be competing in the last stage of the event on March 1. It is tough challenge but I have trained well for it,” Akber said.
“It is an open event which is of International level. For it cyclists have to register on their own and have no backing of any Government or Federation. That means that I will have to bear all expenses on my own. I am hoping to get some help from the sponsors but so far there is no one,” he said.
He said that some friends and well wishers have assured him of help but in absence of proper sponsorship it will not be easy for me to take part in such international competition.