Ali Ilyas of SSGC blazed through the 160-kilometre Lahore to Sahiwal Independence Day Cycle Race in 4 hours on Thursday, securing the fastest time in the event’s history.

The race, held to mark Pakistan’s Independence Day, started at 6:30am from the iconic Lahore Fort and ended at the Sahiwal Sports Complex. Ilyas crossed the finish line ahead of 120 registered competitors, including riders from the Pakistan Army, WAPDA, and Punjab Police teams.

  • Winner: Ali Ilyas (SSGC) – 4 hours
  • Route: Lahore Fort → Raiwind Road → Sahiwal Sports Complex
  • Total distance: 160 km
  • Total riders: 120 (teams: SSGC, Army, WAPDA, Punjab Police)
  • Start time: 6:30am
  • Finish time: 10:30am

How the Race Unfolded

The race began under clear skies with temperatures around 28°C, ideal conditions for high-speed cycling. Ilyas, 28, broke away from the peloton early, maintaining a steady pace of 40 km/h on the open stretches of Raiwind Road. His closest competitor, Muhammad Asif (Army), finished 12 minutes later, while WAPDA’s Shahid Ali came third, 15 minutes behind Ilyas.

Pakistan Cycling Federation (PCF) officials confirmed the results at the finish line, with no protests lodged. PCF Secretary General Asif Ali said the event was part of the federation’s push to revive grassroots cycling in Punjab.

What the Competitors Say

Ilyas told reporters he trained for six months specifically for the race, focusing on endurance and hill climbs in Murree. "The last 30 km were tough with a slight incline near Sahiwal, but I pushed through," he said. "This win is for my team and every cyclist in Pakistan who dreams of competing internationally."

Army cyclist Asif, who trains at the Pakistan Army Sports Complex in Abbottabad, admitted Ilyas’s strategy caught him off guard. "He was too fast on the straightaways. Next time, we’ll adjust our pace," Asif said.

Pakistan’s Cycling Scene: Where It Stands

Pakistan’s cycling infrastructure has struggled in recent years, with few dedicated tracks and limited funding. The PCF has partnered with the Punjab Sports Board to develop a 50km dedicated cycling circuit in Lahore, expected to open by December 2025. The circuit will include a velodrome and training facilities for junior cyclists.

International exposure remains a challenge. Pakistani cyclists have not qualified for the Olympics since 1988, and the country lacks a UCI-ranked team. PCF’s Asif Ali said the federation is lobbying for inclusion in the 2026 Asian Games as a wildcard entry.

What’s Next for Pakistan’s Cyclists

  • National Road Race Championship: Lahore, 15 October 2025
  • Punjab Cycling League: Multan, 20 November 2025 (teams from all provinces)
  • PCF’s international camp: Abbottabad, January 2026 (for riders aiming for Asian Games trials)

The PCF has also announced a Rs 500,000 cash prize for any Pakistani cyclist who qualifies for the 2028 Olympics. The federation is seeking sponsors to fund training stints in Europe.

How You Can Get Involved

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned rider, Pakistan’s cycling community welcomes new members:

  • Join a club: Contact the Pakistan Cycling Federation via pcf.gov.pk or visit their office in Lahore’s Fortress Stadium.
  • Volunteer: PCF needs marshals, medics, and event organizers for upcoming races.
  • Sponsor a rider: Local businesses can sponsor cyclists through the PCF’s ‘Adopt a Cyclist’ program.

The Lahore to Sahiwal race is now an annual fixture on Pakistan’s sporting calendar. With better facilities and growing interest, Pakistan’s cyclists are slowly pedalling their way back onto the global stage.

Race photos and full results are available on the Pakistan Cycling Federation’s official website.

Key Takeaways

  • Ali Ilyas’s victory sets a new benchmark for Pakistan’s road cycling.
  • The PCF is investing in infrastructure to nurture young talent.
  • International qualification remains the next big hurdle for Pakistani cyclists.

What’s your favourite cycling route in Pakistan? Share your stories in the comments.