Bhubaneswar: Cyclists from across the globe along with youngsters, film stars and social activists will pedal from Bhubaneswar to Koraput to promote the need to preserve nature at the fourth edition of the Konark International Cyclothon.

The event will start from December 8 and will conclude in Koraput on December 29 covering around 1500km.

Sprinter Dutee Chand, Trans-Siberian extreme cycling race participant Amrit Samarth, sand artist Manas Sahoo joined as brand ambassadors this year. The Konark International Cyclothon team announced the date of the event on Sunday.

"This year, the Cyclothon will cover the coastal line and the beautiful green mountain terrain of the eastern ghats showcasing the serene beauty of Odisha to the world. The cycle tour via Chilika, Rambha, Chandragiri, Eastern Ghat, Daringi badi, Phulbani, Nayagarh and the Sabara Khetra of Koraput will be a mesmerising treat for our participants," said Sudhir Dash, one of the organisers of the event. "While most cities in India fight pollution and are hit due to climate change, Odisha has its unique demographic beauty. We should count our blessings and preserve our nature," he said.

As a part of the expedition, a number of activities such as ecological orientation for fisherman, awareness programme at school and educational institutions, community engagement with local leaders, debates and deliberations on climate change and campaigns on planting trees and saying no to plastics, cycling to work and management of waste will be held. A sand animation on benefit of cycling was also released on the occasion.

Jagwinder Singh, a para-cyclist from Chandigarh, and Binay Kumar Shahu from Manipur, who dedicated his life to cycling to promote Swachh Bharat even after his hand got paralysed in an accident, will take part in the event.

"I am hopeful that this cyclothon will develop interest in cycling among people of Odisha," said Ranjan Parida, an organiser of the event.