Cyclists training at night to beat the heat

Pakistan’s squad for Tour de Delhi confident of good show.

LAHORE: Pakistan cyclists selected for the Tour de Delhi have opted to shift their training focus back to morning sessions after practising at night due to Ramazan.

According to a squad member Zahid Ghuffam, the cyclists were fasting so were taking part in training after midnight.

“It was tough to train during the day with high temperature affecting our performance. However, the endurance training - to maintain our fitness - would take place during the day.”

‘Fit enough to perform’

“We ‘re fit and have stamina to cope with the race,” said cyclist Noor Alam. “I don’t see any problem because we’re going to similar weather conditions as at home. We’ve trained hard and are now working on the body.”

The Pakistan Cycling Federation will send a six-member team for the Tour de Delhi cycling competition that starts on August 29. Apart from Ghuffam and Alam, the team contains Sabir, Sajid Khan , Muhammad Rafique and Zahid Mahmood. The cyclists will be reaching New Delhi on August 27.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 23^rd,  2011.