Namsai, Arunachal Pradesh — When the clock struck midnight in India’s far northeast, one of the most brutal endurance challenges in mountain biking history roared to life. By the time the dust finally settled, Canadian ultra-endurance legend and former 24-Hour World Champion Cory Wallace had etched his name even deeper into the sport’s folklore.
Wallace delivered a historic performance at the MTB Northeast International Challenge 2025, widely regarded as the world’s longest and toughest one-day mountain bike race, stopping the clock at an astonishing 12 hours, 29 minutes and 55 seconds — a new world record. The extreme test of man and machine unfolded over a punishing 303-kilometre route from Namsai to Kaho, India’s first village, pushing riders through relentless terrain and into the outer limits of physical endurance and mental resilience.
Executing a flawless blend of stamina, pacing and race strategy, Wallace powered to victory ahead of Manmohan Singh of Army Adventure Wings (AAW/India), who claimed the first runners-up position. Fellow Indian Army rider Raman Manhas completed the podium as second runners-up after a gritty all-night battle.
In the Men’s Elite 150 km category, Akshay Kumar (AAW, India) emerged victorious, with Achyut K of Nepal finishing as first runners-up and Ananda Jana taking second runners-up honours.
Young talent shone brightly in the Junior Boys (Under-18) race, where Dekkar Lendo of Arunachal Pradesh claimed top honours. Sawgat Achhimi from Nepal secured first runners-up, while Kevin Lyngdoh of Meghalaya rounded out the podium in second runners-up position.
The Women’s Elite category saw a commanding win by Nane Mega from Roing, Arunachal Pradesh. Kasturee Doley of Assam followed closely to finish as first runners-up, underlining the growing depth of women’s mountain biking in the region.
In the Masters 35+ category, Krashanvendra Singh Yadav of the Indian Military Academy claimed victory, followed by Joseng Marak of Meghalaya as first runners-up, and Pratap Singh Rawat as second runners-up.
International strength was further highlighted in the Non-MTB 150 km (Female) category, where Usha Khanal of Nepal powered to victory.
The event opened with Hon’ble Minister for Sports & Youth Affairs, Adv. Kento Jini, attending as Chief Guest, alongside Prem Singh Rawat, Head of Project, THDC India Limited, as Guest of Honour. The closing ceremony was graced by Hon’ble Minister for Women & Child Development, Dasanglu Pul, as Chief Guest, with Millo Kojin, Deputy Commissioner, Anjaw, attending as Guest of Honour.
According to Race Director Ijum Gadi, the race officially started at 01:30 AM from Dirak Gate, Namsai, and of the 53 cyclists who took on the challenge, only four riders managed to conquer the mammoth 5th edition of the MTB Northeast International Challenge. Participants hailed from 15 Indian states and three countries, underlining the race’s growing international stature.
Behind the scenes, the event’s success was driven by sheer commitment and sleepless dedication. A team of 30 officials, 75 volunteers, and 12 marshals, supported by medical teams from the District Administration and the Indian Army, worked tirelessly to deliver a flawless and safe race experience.
With its savage 301-kilometre route, elite international participation, and scenery that is as breathtaking as it is unforgiving, the MTB Northeast International Challenge 2025 once again cemented Arunachal Pradesh as a true global hotspot for endurance mountain biking and adventure sport.
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