Critical X-Mass rides through Baku streets

/By AzerNews/

By Amina Nazarli

A bike competition dedicated to the World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day and the New Year was held in Baku on December 25.

The Azerbaijan Cycling Federation jointly with “SharhHead” cycling club organized "Critical X-Mass Baku" cycling tour.

Before the start of the competition - held in a holiday mood- Santa Claus and Snow Maiden greeted the guests.

About 200 cyclists participated in the event which started from Azadlig Square. They rode a distance of 18 km and returned to the same point.

Farhad Aliyev, Secretary-General of the ACF said holding such events develops public interest in the sport.

“We congratulate Azerbaijanis for the upcoming holidays. You know that the ACF holds this competition for cycling amateurs. This year "SharkHead" Cycling Club actively participated in this competition,” he said. “This competition is also important for car drivers. They should respect cyclists on the roads.”

Cyclists of all ages took part in the competition. After the event, the organizers presented children with New Year gifts.

The Solidarity Day was initiated by Azerbaijan's national leader Heydar Aliyev on December 16, 1993. In accordance with a presidential decree, the last day of December is annually celebrated as the day highlighting unity of world Azerbaijanis.

About 50 million Azerbaijanis are currently living in countries around the world, including Iran (South Azerbaijan), Turkey, Germany, France, Britain, the United States, as well as the Middle East countries. Azerbaijanis all over the world mark the day each year on December