Bike racing competition

Amateur bikers took part in a unique bike racing competition here on Saturday, which provided them a platform to turn professionals.

Twenty-five bikers from across Tamil Nadu were judged on parameters such as speed and driving skills.

Unlike other motorbike races, there were two finishing lines. The bikers, timed on the clock, would finish the race by crossing one line but had to make sure they did not cross the second.

Crossing the second line would have had them disqualified. The bikers were not only forced to push the throttle, but also pull the brakes to be sure the bike halted between the two lines.

"It is an event targeted towards enthusiastic bikers. We want to give them a feel of what professional biking is all about. This is not only about the speed but we want to check the speed, control and skills of the bike," said Abhijit Kulkarni, an organiser.

Venu Ramesh and Bijo were adjudged winners in 125cc and 250cc categories respectively. They have also qualified for the mega finals to be held in Indore in June.

The next race of the 12-legged competition would be held in Bangalore.

Motorcycle racing is at a nascent stage in the country, but is slowly picking up with the rising popularity of Narain Karthekayan, the country's only Formula One driver.