Pinto continues to lead MTB Himalaya

Portuguese Luis Lea Pinto continued to lead the open men's solo and the overall category, beating bad weather, in the 9th MTB Himalaya -- India's premier cycling challenge.

Braving chilling winds and intermittent rain in five days so far, the riders also grappled with slushy roads en route.

World number nine Pinto is being chased by riders from Indian army with Purna Bahadur Pradhan being second followed by Surendra Singh.

Himachal boy Devender Thakur, 19, was placed at the 11th spot.