Shimla: The 4th edition of India’s premier cycling event – UT MTB Shimla is set to take off from the Shimla from 3rd April.
Organised by the HASTPA (Himalayan Adventure Sports and Tourism Promotion Association), cycling event will culminate on 5th April in which 12 cyclists from Himachal are participating and 9 of them are from Shimla alone – which is highest so far. There are one each cyclist from Lahaul, Kullu and Mandi district of the state.
HASTPA President Mohit Sood said the Association has always aimed at promoting environment friendly sports in India and now youth taking interest in mountain cycling. Buoyant with the response from Shimla kids, Sood commented
Himachal is showing the way forward for mountain biking. This is the biggest success for us. We have closely involved the local community and that’s showing and 12 riders from Himachal Pradesh is a dream come true for us
Previous edition title holder, Devender Thakur (21), is touted as the favourite to win the race, while Sunil Barongpa (39), cyclist from Kullu, is also vying to upset the record. Gaurish Shyam and Akshit Gaur (14) are youngest riders to vie for the title.
Sushant Chauhan (15), Sanchit Sood (15), Rohan Kukreja (15), Shiven (17), Urgain (21) Gurman Reen (21), Ankush Arya (23) and Chander Kant (25) and are other cyclists participating in the event.
