Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], May 10 : The 11th edition of the annual MTB (Mountain Biking) Cycling event commenced on Friday, with participation from around 140 bikers to traverse the challenging 140-kilometer course downhill and uphill.
The participants have come from many different countries and 45 different Indian cities. The participants came from countries like Portugal, Nepal, Spain, and Italy.
The event has been inaugurated to encourage people to cycle and also to preserve Himalayan Adventure Sports and Tourism.
The Himalayan Adventure Sports and Tourism Promotion Association have been organizing MTB Himachal cycling for over 18 years, but the Shimla MTB cycling event is being organized for the 11th time here in the queen of hills. The event also sees participation from women.
"I wasn't expecting anything like this; it is so beautiful, the scenery, the pine trees, the birds, and then of course the people coming here from around the world. It's so exciting; so much energy, the vibe. For me, it's not about the race, it's about riding in nature and the jungle. I never thought India would come to this level in mountain biking. I can see what's going to happen in the future; the hills are amazing. It's going to be a place that's going to attract people around the world to ride here; this is just a beginning," said one of the participants.
The international participants are enthusiastic to be part of this race. "I just arrived, there is a positive vibe here. I loved it very much. I have been to Shimla many times; I love this place. I am riding for the first time here. It's growing here; the politicians and authorities should bring rules and more people cycling as bikers are nature-loving. I am very enthusiastic about the race; it's the first time I am riding in the Himalayas for the first time, and I have been riding in plains. It's a good challenge and I am happy to take it," said Nalini, a woman participant.
"I have been riding for four to five years now; I have been taking part in MTB for the past 3 years. I am the champion of the previous year. This year it's challenging as we have 140 riders from 45 cities of the country. Almost there are 400 to 500 riders, and it has no pollution; it is also good for fitness and you can stay away from drugs as well," said Rajvir, a local rider.
The organizers of this event are happy as the number of participants increases every year.
"This is the 11th edition of the MTB Shimla and it is continued for the 11th consecutive year. We are starting with the prologue. This is a three-day race. The next two days are going to be a competitive race. We have 140 participants from Indian cities; this is the highest ever number. To date, no one from 19 states has participated in mountain biking events. We have done qualifying rounds for this in 11 Indian cities; 60 people have come through that program which we have done with Firefox. We want to showcase the beautiful trails through this event. More than 600 people. We have five nations participating; we have Portugal, India, Nepal, Spain, and Italy. Tourism is a big factor; cycling is the number one potential and we have hills, and it becomes our right to take this event forward," said Ashish, an organizer.