In celebration of Afghanistan's 97 years of independence a cycle race was held in Kabul over two days.

The ladies 20km race was held on Sunday from Shaheed Rabbani Education University to Taq-e-Zafar area in Paghman district.

Masuma Alizada won the event with Zahra Alizada and Rukhsar coming in second and third respectively.

After crossing the finish line first, Alizada said: "I am happy that I managed to become the first one out of the riders. I hope that one day I can win such a competition competing with riders from other countries."

Nargis, who came in sixth said that such competitions will have a positive impact on the development of the sport among girls. She said, it would also help families believe in the sport, which will help encourage more girls to participate.

On Monday, a 30km race was held for men. They cycled from Darul Aman Road to Taq-e-Zafar.

Khalid Sultani from Panjshir province came in first. Second place was won by Anis Naiemy from Balkh and Ehsanullah Kandahari from Kandahar took third place.

Sadiq Sadiqi, director of the cycling federation, says that these competitions aim to develop cycling in provinces as the best riders come to Kabul and compete with Kabul riders.

Ten women participated in Sunday's race and were from Kabul, Balkh and Bamiyan while 30 men took part in Monday's race.

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