New Delhi: The 12th edition of the world famous cycle race, Hero MTB Himalaya 2016, is all set to begin from Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, on September 25, 2016. After covering 650 KM of Himalayan track in 8 days, the race will end at Dharamshala on October 3.

Considered to be one of the toughest races in the world, Hero MTB Himalaya is not for the faint hearted. A race that takes the riders through the untouched parts of the Himalayas, bustling towns and villages, across streams – all set amidst the beauty of the mighty Himalayas. With a total elevation gain of almost 50,000 feet in the previous edition, even the most experienced riders found the altitude challenging.

Hero MTB Himalaya is organised by the Himalayan Adventure Sports & Tourism Promotion Association (HASTPA). The Hero Action Team which is sponsoring the Indian team was conceptualised by HASTPA and Hero Cycles in 2014 with an objective to provide a platform and ecosystem for budding biking talent in the country.

The race will be done in 8 stages, and every day there will be a different base camp on the tricky track.

According to Ashish Sood, HASTPA spokesperson, “This year, we are expecting 60 entries. Several world famous riders, including 7 woman riders, have confirmed their participation.”

Pankaj Munjal, Chairman and MD Hero Cycles, added, “Mountain biking is a sport that requires a high degree of training, stamina and passion for biking in the high terrain. The sport has gained a encouraging following in recent years but we want to expand its reach to more youngsters in the country. At Hero Cycles, we believe in promoting sports and active lifestyles. Hero MTB Himalaya is an earnest initiative of Hero Cycles to promote adventure sports and mountain biking in India. We are looking forward to an exciting series of events in the coming 8 days of Hero MTB Himalaya.”

The following are some of the well-known riders participating in MTB Himalaya 2016:

1. Sarah Appelt, 26, in the Open Women Solo category from Germany. She is the winner of 1st Hero MTB Shimla 2016 and 1st Hell Race 2015(female category)

2. Akash Sherpa, 18, Youngest Indian in the Open Men Solo Category. He stood 3rd in the MTB Shimla 2016

3.Sandeep Madaan, 24, in the Open Men Solo category from India who stood 2nd in the MTB Shimla, 2015 and 3rd in MTB Shimla, 2016. He came 2nd in the Hell Race, and 2nd in the Manali 2015-16, and 3rd in the Firstrom 2016.

4.Ruben Chirino, 53, Swiss-Venezuelan, in the Grand Masters category. He is winner of several races in Chile and Indonesia.

5.Ms Monika Eggert, 32, German, in the Team of Two category. She is the winner of Night on Bike 16 h, 2016, Jilhava 12 h 2016, Stuttgart 24 h 2015, Alfsee 24 h, 2015 and 3rd place holder in Beskidy Trophy Stagerace 2016.

6. John Jack Funk,60, Canadian. He is participating in the Grand Masters category. His top wins include 7 podiums out of 8 races in the Bow 80 Near Death Division, 2nd place in the LIMBC Horizon Years 2014 and 2nd place in Boja Epic old boys.

Ashish said, “Identifying talent right at the school level, training them and taking them to world stage has been a dream we have pursued with relentless zeal for the last couple of years. We are grateful to Hero Cycles for being our partner in this endeavor. Whether it’s the team’s training, travel, nutrition, or equipment Hero Cycles has not stinted on anything, providing them the very best.”

According to Ashish, the race will also be including the regular school programs conducted at the camps along the entire route. “A race that is bound to test your strength and will power, apart from your riding skills will leave an impeccable and breath-taking experience in your mind and heart. Well, we don’t say that but the riders do.”