Seventy-five cyclists to participate in MTB-2012

The number of participants has come down from 104 in the seventh edition last year to 75 this year due to global recession and the organisers are hoping higher participation next year.

The route has been shortened this time but some perilous tracks have been included, making it more challenging, Mohit Sood, President Himalayan Adventure Sports and Tourism Promotion Association (HASTPA) said.

The number of foreign participants has also come down from seventeen to thirteen and there is only one woman participant in the event this time.

Besides bikers from India and Nepal, those from Uzbekistan, USA, Canada, Belgium, Portugal, UK and Ireland will participate and presence of actress Preeti Jhangiani will add glamour to the flag-off ceremony.

"A large number of queries were keen to participate could not make it because most of them were denied leave by companies reeling under recession," Sood added.

After restructuring, the length of the route has been reduced from 503 km last year to 438 km, but pedalling on treacherous mule tracks through thickly forested mountains will put the endurance and skills of bikers to a severe test.

The average altitude of the trail following the ridge is 2,450m.

However, the highest point of the race will be the 3,250m Jalori Pass.

The competitive section will account for about 300 km.

After the flag-off from the Ridge, bikers will pass through Mashobra, Bakhelti, Kathot and Sarog to halt at Gada Guffar for the night.

On the second day, the rally will traverse through Matiana and Narkanda to reach Tanni Jubbar. On the third day, they will cross the Sutlej to enter Kullu district.