Canadian takes lead in MTB Himalaya race

Tribune News Service

Shimla, September 25

“Enjoy the ride as well as the scenic beauty” were the words of Chief of Staff- Army Training Command (ARTRAC) Lt General Raman Dhawan who was the Chief Guest at the flagged off ceremony of the 12th edition of Hero MTB Himalaya from historic Ridge, here today.

As many as 63 riders, including 33 foreigners of which nine are female riders, 11 jawans of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and 19 Indians are competing in the eight-day race that cover about 650 km, achieving an elevation gain of 16,000m.

The race was flagged off by Chief Communication Officer - Hero Cycles Rohit Sharma, who was the guest of honour for the event organized by Himalayan Adventure Sports and Tourism Promotion Association (HASTPA).

The race is taking a completely new route this year travelling from Shimla to Dharamsala. Today on the first day, the riders travelled a distance of 67.5 kms and attained an elevation gain of about 1,680 mts in this stage called Balkhu’s epiphany. The race concluded at Gadaguffar.

Canadian champion Cory Wallace finished first with a timing of 2:47 hours followed by Thomas Turner who finished a minute behind him while Catherine Williamson finished with a timing of 3:22 hours.

With this edition of the race, Hero MTB Himalaya also initiated an initiative – SMILE — which aims at motivating and encouraging young people to dream big. The team is covering all possible schools on the way trying to reach and help as many students as possible, helping the society grow, said media coordinator of the event Ashish Sood.