Bhubaneswar: The first-ever night cyclothon organised in the Temple City received an overwhelming response as enthusiasts across all age groups jostled to participate in the event.

Cyclists made a beeline for the venue adjacent to Janata Maidan from 6 pm onwards, while the flag-off ceremony was scheduled for 10 pm.

Singers Trisha, Gourav and troupe performed on melodious Hindi and Odia songs which entertained the participants for nearly two hours. ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ famer kid drummer Abhishek Sahu’s performance made the Sunday evening memorable.

With excitement reaching fever high, the event was flagged by the esteemed guests comprising Sports Minister Chandrasarathi Behera, Twin City Police Commissioner YB Khurania, Bhubaneswar (North) MLA Priyadarshi Mishra, BMC Mayor Ananta Narayan Jena, Ollywood actress Barsha Priyadarshini, former Team India cricketer Debasish Mohanty, sprinter Anuradha Biswal, former India football team captain Shradhanjali Samantaray, mountaineer Ganesh Jena, Arjuna Awardee and woman footballer from Manipur Oinam Bembem Devi, kid drummer Abhishek Sahu, Sambad Group’s Managing Director Monica Nayyar Patnaik, Executive Director Tanaya Patnaik and Marketing Manager of Gemini Edibles & Fats India (GEF India) Shalabh Sharma.

The event was organised in association with Freedom Refined Sunflower Oil.

“For the first time, night cyclothon was organised in Bhubaneswar by Sambad Group.  We are happy to support this initiative. One can keep himself/herself fit by cycling as well as keep the environment pollution free. The youngsters should come forward and take a leading role in promoting this. Instead of using motorcycles and contributing to air pollution, we should call upon people to turn to cycling for a healthy life,” Shalabh Sharma expressed.

While all eyes were set on the hooter, a group of biking buffs exhibited their stunts which left the spectators in awe.

A little after 10 pm, the supercharged participants sporting white T-shirts left for the round trip through the city. The stretch from Janata Maidan to Power House Square via Jaidev Vihar and forth was chock-a-block with cyclists.

The participants were distributed T-shirts as early bird gift by the organisers.

Sambad Group successfully organised the third edition of cyclothon and the first night version of it.