New Delhi:
The new cycles for the Indian riders for Commonwealth Games have finally arrived after a long wait, according to Cycling Federation of India (CFI).
The delay in securing new cycles took much longer than expected and they arrived in the capital from United Kingdom only on Sunday night.
But they would first be delivered to CFI officials before finally being handed over to the riders in Patiala.
"The cycles are finally here. They are at the Indira Gandhi International Airport and will be released to us by this evening," CFI Sports manager Dipender Singh Rathore said.
The team has been funding its own cycles and were waiting for the new equipment for the past three years. The cycles were promised to be delivered by September 20.
"After we get the cycles from the airport, we will be sending the cycles by truck to Patiala where the riders are practising for the Games," the official said.
The cycles are specifically made for track events and are manufactured by Dolan Bikes UK Ltd.
"The order was for 46 cycles, specifically made for track events. The total cost came around Rs 1 crore 39 lakh," the official added.
Recently, team coaches said that the delay in getting the cycles was a blessing in disguise
The Australian coach of the team Graham Seers had earlier said, "The delay is not a hindrance. Instead, it will help us.
"Practising on older bikes will help us train better and harder and when the new bikes are here, we will be ready to face any situation."
On the other hand, the CFI officials were worried that the delay could have a negative impact on the team's performance in the Games.