Shimla: Hero-MTB Himalaya Asia’s Premier MTB Challenge to run from September 27 to October 06, 2018 is to have top Indian and international cycling professionals, including amateurs from 14 countries, participating in the gruelling race.
This is the most competitive rider lineup for any cycling race in India where 2 of the top 10 riders will be facing off for the King Of Himalaya Title, Endurance sports enthusiasts have very big reason to celebrate this September.
The route for the tourney is Shimla to Dharamshala in the Himalayas 8 stages / 9Days/ 650KM/ 16,000HM Elevation Gain
The 14th edition of the annual Hero-MTB Himalaya cycling challenge is set to begin on September 27, 2018 from Shimla. The race will conclude in Dharamshala on the 6th of October. This 9-day extravaganza will showcase some of the best professional cyclists from around the world riding alongside aspiring young talent from across India.
The Top two riders include Andi Seewald and Ole Hem, both top 10 finishers in the recently held, global UCI MTB World Marathon Championships finishing 8th and 10th respectively. While Germany’s Seewald, was the 2016 winner in both the men’s solo and overall events at the King of Himalaya event, Hem won the Norwegian Championship XCM in June 2018.
Also returning is Australia’s Jason English a legendary 7 time world champion in 24 hour mountain bike racing. Other notable competitors include Insync bike brand ambassadors Harry Molloy, English X3 champion and second place finisher at the European Cup held in Italy and Patrick Robinson, the UK’s 2018 Street Velodrome National Champion. Both of them will be riding Insync’s famed ‘Riddick’ MTBs.
“ This event will promote and encourage bicycling as a sporting challenge while showcasing modern technical enhancements that have increased handling and riding experiences”, says Mr. Pankaj M Munjal, Chairman of Hero Motors Company, the main sponsor of the event.
“We at Himachal Tourism have a long association with this MTB race and the events oldest partner. It gives us an unique opportunity to showcase the state’s unique adventure, cultural and natural heritage,” said Ram Subagh Singh, additional chief secretary (Tourism) Government of Himachal.
“The past 14 years have been an exciting journey! We have seen the sport growing in India, this is evident with the rising quality of participation with every season from all across the world. Our aim is to establish Himachal Pradesh as the top destination the sport and nurture talent to yield future Olympians,” said Mohit Sood, president HASTPA, the organiser of the MTB race.
