Mountain biking event kicks off in Shimla

The tenth edition of the annual North Indian Mountain Biking event in the Himalayas will start here on Saturday morning from Shimla.

Sixty-three cycling riders from 12 different countries, including India have gathered in Shimla to send a message about environment and tourism.

The participants come from U.K., Nepal, Holland, Columbia, Canada, Portugal, Austria, Germany, Belgium, Poland, Bangladesh and India.

Spread over six days, the event would see riders completing a distance of 500 kilometers in the Himalayan region here and covering over 100 villages including Bekhulti, Mashobra, Sarog, Kyaartoo, Kelvi, Gadakuffar, Matiyana, and Dharampur.

Crossing through the two districts of Shimla and Kullu, cyclists will pass through the tough terrain of the Himalayas.

The highest point would be near Jalori pass (3050 meters above sea level). Sonia Lopez, a cyclist from Portugal and Corry Wallace, a rider from Canada are the brand ambassadors of the event this year. They claim this to be the world's toughest mountain biking event.

An amount of Rs 6 lakh would be given as award in the male and female categories this year. The ride would conclude on October 3 in Shimla.

HASTAPA (Himalayan Adventure Sports and Tourism Promotion Association) is organizing this cycling championship to promote cycling in the region and also enhance environmental conservation.