Tour de Sanawar: Inter-school cycling event set for tomorrow
The Lawrence School, Sanawar, in partnership with Hero Cycles and the Old Sanawarian Society, will host the 5th Tour de Sanawar, India’s largest inter-school cycling competition, on November 3. Taking place at the school’s picturesque 1,750-metre campus, this year’s event aims to ignite a passion for cycling across India, with aspirations to establish a national cycling league.
A significant competitive platform
- 0Initiated in 2017 by the Old Sanawarian Society, the Tour de Sanawar has quickly evolved from a recreational event into a significant competitive platform.
- Its success owes much to Hero Cycles’ Chairman, alumnus Pankaj M Munjal, whose commitment has strengthened cycling’s grassroots foundation.
The competition has attracted over 175 participants from 16 schools and 20 cities, including Bangalore, Pune and Guwahati. Four racing categories will challenge riders with mountain bike cross-country (MTB XCO) tracks, varying from an 11-km course for younger cyclists to a rigorous 15-km route with a 600-meter elevation gain for elite riders. Participants will tackle a mix of steep climbs, rapid descents, and sharp turns designed to test endurance and skill.
“By providing a supportive environment for young cyclists, Sanawar is setting an example of how schools can merge heritage, education, and sports to build a sustainable sporting culture,” Munjal said.
School Headmaster Himmat Singh Dhillon envisions expanding the Tour de Sanawar to include participants from every Indian state and even international schools, enhancing the event’s inclusivity and impact.