4th MTB Shimla race concluded with a BANG - RACE RECAP

www.mtbshimla.com

MTB Himalaya Shimla Edition, more popularly known as MTB Shimla is a 2 day MTB XC race that takes the riders through some of the most pristine parts of the Shivalik Mountains also known as the lesser Himalayas or the foothills of the Himalayas. The race is set in a background that calls out to all the adventure lovers, mountain bikers and nature lovers. Traveling through Wildlife Sanctuaries, Himalayan countryside, streams and rivulets, the riders experience one of the highest mountain ranges in the world - The Himalayas. Along these winding, exciting and unknown routes, the riders meet the most amazing people, stay in the most beautiful locations and ride some of the best terrains in India. The riders pedal their way through gut wrenching uphills, speedy downhills, village back roads, beautiful meadows, thick vegetation, jeep tracks and savor real mountain biking as they travel over 130 km in 2 days.

Mountain Trail Biking was started in India to give the racers a glimpse of natural trails amidst the Himalayas. MTB Shimla is conducted every year by HASTPA, organizer of MTB Himalaya – an international racing event. MTB Shimla is a platform for the young guns to showcase their talent. It’s a stepping stone for the cyclists to compete in international races across the world.
 
The 2015 edition saw 67 independent racers competing in the race across 4 categories, namely Open Men Solo, Masters, Open Women Solo and Students. Devender Thakur was the winner in the Open Men Solo with a lead of 32 minutes.  For the Masters category, Mr. Hilmar Weber took away the winners title with a lead of 17 minutes. Dr. Mona Chopra won the Open Women Solo  and Mr. Shiven in the Student category.

Another historic  day in the history of Mountain Biking in India , the 4th edition of the  UT MTB Shimla had a grand roll out from Shimla heading towards Sadhupul. A total of 70 riders started the race.

The race will go on for two days with a total of around 105 kms to be covered by the riders traveling through Wildlife Sanctuaries, Himalayan countryside, streams and, beautiful meadows , experiencing the historic and beautiful town of Shimla on a mountain bike.

The enthusiasm  of the daring riders was great. A distance of 59 kms will be covered on Day 1 and the race halts at Chail. The second and the last of the race will start from Chail heading back to Shimla to The Ridge ,covering a total distance of 33 kms .

Results - DAY 1

Open Men Solo
Rider No 26  -   DEVENDER THAKUR
Rider No 22  - SANDEEP MADAAN
Rider No 70  - SUNIL BARONGPA
 
 Masters Solo
Rider No 19 - HILMAR WEBBER
Rider No 02  -  JASBIR SINGH
Rider No 14  - NAVENDU LAL
 
Students
Rider No 28  -  SHIVEN
Rider No 30 - SANCHIT SOOD
Rider No 31 - GAURISH SHYAM
 
Open Women Solo
Mona Chopra  has a good lead and is dominating the Women's category followed by Gurleen Kaur and Alka Lad.

Hero action team and  young boys from Himachal and Shimla dominated proceedings on the second day of the 4th UT MTB Shimla - India's premier Mountain biking challenge. With a staggering 7 of the top 10 from Shimla , the local lads have shown their mettle. The average age group of these set of riders is mere 19 years and with the right support they can definitely be the best as they have shown.

I am proud of what these young school and college boys have done. They are definitely showing the way forward for everyone. Young, enthusiastic and determined. This is talent that will eventually establish India as a force to reckon with in the world of Mountain biking. I can't express how happy I am. These boys have shown that its not about the bike :-) - Said Ashish Sood - Manager of Hero Action Team  and member of  HASTPA

A total of 62 Riders started the race filled with enthusiasm to conquer the Route - 'Cliff Clamber' after day 1 about  4 dropped out of the race.


The riders started from Kanechi, ascending the steep climb headed towards Anandpur  passing by Dogla Nala ,  Pujarli finally headed towards The Ridge, Shimla covering a total distance of 33Km.

Results Day 2