10th MTB Himalayan Cycling Rally Sixty concludes, Indian rider stands second

Sixty-nine foreign and Indian intrepid riders, comprising five women and 11 master riders, yesterday concluded the 10th MTB Himalaya Cycling Rally Sixty that started from Shimla.

The event was led by foreign cyclists in the top five positions after covering over 545 kilometers.

Canada's Cory Wallace, who is a three-time Mongolia Bike Challenge champion, and Sonia Lopes of Portugal won the race in the men's and women's solo categories, respectively.

"These days are always an adventure. The roads are open here so we have to be careful of vehicles and everything," said Wallace from Canada, who participated in the event for the first time.

"It is like an introduction to India, it has good weather this week. We had nice Indian cuisine and people greeted us well. It was a good experience," he added.

The 30-year-old Wallace is ranked 18th in the world and was leading the race from day one.

Likewise, Sonia, the first woman cyclist to conquer the non-stop 500 km Portugal Bike Race, too led from the start.

In the women's category, Indian rider Monica stood second.