SHIMLA: The Hero MTB Himalaya, considered to be one of the toughest cross-country cycling races in the world, has confirmed the participation of as many as 72 cyclists from more than 15 countries for the 14th edition of the event starting on September 27, IANS reports.
The annual cross-country, 8-stage mountain biking race will be organised by the Himalayan Adventure Sports and Tourism Promotion Association (HASTPA), Himachal Tourism and Hero Cycles starting from the Himachal Pradesh capital and ending in Dharamsala on October 6.
The race will traverse four districts, crossing two rivers — the Beas and Satluj. It will also be touching the boundaries of the Great Himalayan National Park, one of the biggest national parks in India and an UNESCO world heritage site located in the Kullu region. The famed Bir-Billing, known to be the world’s second highest point for paragliding will also be covered.
This year’s race will cover a total of 650 km, about 60-90 km every day.
Major towns near the race route will be Shimla, Gadagufar, Narkanda, Luri, Swad, Jalhori, Shatadhar, Gadagushaini, Jhanjeli, Mandi, Barot, Bir, Palampur and Dharamsala.
The race tracks will be tarmac, broken gravel, rocks, mud, and sand. The highest point of the race is Shatadhar Pass at a height of 3,100 metres.
“This time, we will see an increased participation of professional riders from across the globe. Portugal, Germany, South Africa and Spain are expected to be front running countries in participation numbers,” HASTPA President Mohit Sood was quoted as saying to IANS.
