Tour de Mohmand: Cyclists race to the finish line

Competitors began their journey from Yousafkhel and ended in Ekka Ghund

GHALLANAI: At least 72 cyclists from across the country geared up to pedal against the odds in Mohmand Agency’s first-ever cycling race on Saturday.

The event was a joint venture held in Ghallanai by the political administration in Mohmand and FATA Secretariat. A large number of government and army officials as well as locals competed in the race which was fittingly titled Tour de Mohmand.

Cyclists began their journey from Yousafkhel and ended the race in Ekka Ghund. The race was won by Awais Khan, a resident of Peshawar. Izat Khan, a cyclist from Balochistan came in second while an employee of the Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) clinched third position.

An umrah package was awarded to Awais while Izat and the Wapda employee won motorcycles. Moreover, the political administration also distributed cash prizes among other participants who did well in the race.

Speaking at the award distribution ceremony, Mohmand Political Agent Waqar Ali Khan said such activities send a positive message about the tribal agency to the rest of the world.

“Through such initiatives, we can show the world that we are keen to promote peace,” he added.

The original plan

Initially, the race was expected to kick off in Mohmand Agency and end outside the Governor House in Peshawar. However, the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government voiced reservations about this course.  According to insiders, the relevant authorities were concerned about holding a cycling race in Charsadda and Peshawar because of security concerns.

In addition, they feared the race would require them to block various roads which could impede the flow of traffic. As a result, the route for this historic race was changed.

Security arrangements

The race was organised amid tight security. Police and the political administration took a series of steps to prevent any untoward situation. Meanwhile, Mohmand-Bajaur Road was closed for traffic from 8am onwards.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 17^th, 2015.