NewZNew (New Delhi – Kulbir Singh Kalsi) : Mountain biking enthusiasts across the country are all set to participate in the upcoming UT MTB Shimla 2015 from 3rd to 5th April 2015. The is the 4th edition of this annual race organised by Himalayan Adventure Sports and Tourism Promotion Association (HASTPA), supported by Hero Cycles and powered by UT Bikes. The competition has attracted over 70 cyclists from across the country, including Hero Action Team, India’s first professionally-managed cycling team, which uses UT bikes to participate in such high-profile cycling events. The teams will arrive at the venue on 3rd April while 4th and 5th April will be dedicated for the race.
UT MTB Shimla is known for challenging sports adventure lovers to race through one of the most difficult terrains in the country lying in the most pristine parts of Shivalik Mountains also known as lower Himalyas. The participants will cover around 130 kilometres in two days and will compete to conquer the difficult tracks that stretch through wildlife sanctuaries, countryside, single tracks, streams and rivulets.
Speaking about the upcoming race Mr Pankaj Munjal, Co-Chairman and Managing Director, Hero Cycles said, “Over the last three years MTB Shimla has grown in stature and is now considered amongst top adventure sports events, witnessing participation from adventure lovers across India. What makes this event unique is the extreme challenges and adrenaline-charged experience that it offers to the cyclists, even if you have participated earlier you can never get familiar with the terrain here and that is what makes it inimitable. We appreciate the efforts of the cyclists who will be participating in the race and would like to convey our best wishes to them for upcoming competition.”
Talking about premium cycling brand UT’s association with the event, Mr Gaurav Matta, Marketing Manager, UT bikes said “Our brand integration with MTB Shimla has proved to be of immense success considering the appeal that the event generates among adventure sports lovers and has helped us promote mountain and off-road cycling in
India.”
Ashish Sood from HASTPA enthusiastically shares his views on organising the 4th edition of the race, “This is the 4th successive year since we have been organising this event and in such a short time it has gained popularity amongst the cyclists community and adventure sports lovers. People gather here not just to compete against the best but also to encounter the fear and enjoy the bliss that they experience while pedalling through foothills of Himalayas. We are expecting a significant increase in participation from last year and hope that this event gains magnitude in the coming years.” The riders will be cycling at an altitude between 2500-4000 mts which will be a challenging task considering several sharp curves, uphill and downhill trails that the route offers.
