Sixth edition of mountain cycling competition ends in Shimla

Shimla, Oct 31 (ANI): The sixth edition of mountain cycling competition came to an end here on Saturday with Ajay Pandit from Nepal winning the event.

Seventy-six bicyclists from six nations participated in the eight-day event, which was organised by the Himalayan Adventure Sports and Tourism Promotion Association (HASTAPA).

Treading tricky terrain, the riders traversed nearly 550-kilometres of the Himalayan region.

Delighted organizers said the mountain biking circuit traversed by the rally gained a total elevation of a staggering 1,400 metres, making it one of the toughest challenges in the world.

"This event was held for eight days by Hercules Mountain Biking, Himachal is one of the toughest cycling events in the world. 76 contestants from six different countries participated in the event, of which 45 riders completed the race," said Mohit Sood, President of Himalayan Adventure Sports and Tourism Promotion Association.

"Ajay Pandit from Nepal who participated in this event for the first time won the championship and the first prize. Indian Army came second and all the participants covered an area of 500 kilometres and returned back to Shimla in eight days," he added.

Several foreign riders from the US, Austria, Germany, Nepal and Bhutan participated in the cycle rally.

Ajay Pandit, who won the cycling event, expressed his delight after the win.

"As it was my first time, so, I was nervous. But now I am enjoying because now I have already won the championship. I am feeling very good and great," he claimed.

Organisers said the rally was aimed at sensitising the locals on the advantages of adopting and going back to environment friendly mode of transportation. (ANI)