Over 100 cyclists for MTB Shimla 2019

Tribune News Service

Shimla, April 17

Over 100 cyclists, from six countries and 15 Indian cities, will participate in the three-day 8th Hero MTB Shimla 2019, commencing on April 19.

Mohit Sood, founder and race director, Hero MTB Shimla, while addressing mediapersons here on Wednesday, said cyclists from India, Nepal, UK, Japan, Germany and Columbia would participate in the 110-km race. Besides, riders from 15 cities, including Shimla, Manali, Mumbai, Pune, Dehradun, and Chandigarh, would also be seen in action.

Professional cycling teams from Indian defence forces — Border Security Forces (BSF) and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) — will also take part in the race. Moreover, Firefox Bikes, Steadfast Nutrition, Merida and cyclists from groups like Pedalyatri and Aravali Trail Hunters, will be part of the race, he informed.

Out of the 100 confirmed participants, there would be 47 riders in men’s solo category, five in women’s solo, 19 in masters’ solo, 11 in student and 20 in team-of-two category. The youngest rider is 14 year old while the oldest is 55 years of age.

Last year’s winners, David Kumar, Ashish Sherpa, Akash Sherpa and Akshit Gaur, all part of the Hero Action Team, will be defending their titles this year. David Kumar is the current King of Shivaliks and will be on a hat-trick this year.

Highest point of the race is at 2,450m while the lowest point will be at 1,150m. The highlights of the route are Kufri Catchment Area, Kyarkoti and Mashobora Kingdom and Naldhera Golf Course, Sood said.

Total prize money announced by the race organisers is Rs 3.5 lakh. The overall race winner will be awarded with Rs 25,000, in addition to category prizes of up to Rs 30,000. The winners will also receive premium bikes from Hero Cycles, along with gift vouchers from sponsors.

Ceremonial flag off for the race will be held on April 19 at the historic Ridge Maidan. The flag off will be done by athletes of the Special Olympics Team. A 25-km stretch from The Ridge to Dak Bungalow in Kufri has been marked for the Prologue.

About the riders

• There would be 47 riders in men’s solo category, five in women’s solo, 19 in masters’ solo, 11 in student and 20 in team-of-two category. The youngest rider is 14 year old while the oldest is 55 years of age 
• Last year’s winners, David Kumar, Ashish Sherpa, Akash Sherpa and Akshit Gaur, all part of the Hero Action Team, will be defending their titles. David Kumar is the current King of Shivaliks and will be on a hat-trick this year 
• Highest point of the race is at 2,450m while the lowest point will be at 1,150m