Hero Action Team dominates the field at UT MTB Shimla-2015; Devender Thakur from HAT grabs pole position in Men Solo

Cyclists in action at UT MTB Shimla 2015

New Delhi, 5th April 2015:

Hero Action Team, India’s first professionally managed mountain biking team, continued its dominating run in the Indian cycling scene by winning across all major categories at the 4th edition of UT MTB Shimla 2015.

Devender Thakur of Hero Action Team won in the Men (Solo) category followed by Sandeep Madan. Shiven Sharma, also from Hero Action Team, won the ‘Student’ category. Shiven had only recently won gold at the prestigious National Mountain Biking Championship held in Pune. The competition also saw the youngest rider Gaurish Shyam finishing second in the student’s category.

Winners of other categories at this two-day grueling mountain biking race include - Mona Chopra, who won Women’s category, was followed by Gurleen Kaur.

The 4th edition of this annual race was organised from 3rd to 5th April 2015 by Himalayan Adventure Sports and Tourism Promotion Association (HASTPA), supported by Hero Cycles and powered by UT Bikes. The competition saw more than 70 cyclists from across the country, including Hero Action Team, India’s first professionally-managed cycling team. Hero Action Team uses UT bikes, India’s most trusted mountain biking cycle brand, for training and participation in such high-profile cycling events.

Congratulating the team on its latest success, Mr Pankaj Munjal, Co-Chairman and Managing Director of Hero Cycles said, “We would like to congratulate the team members for making us proud in the competition. This win will go a long way in taking the Hero Action Team a level higher and will energise the team for future efforts.”

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 Himalayas. The participants covered approximately 130 kilometers in two days to conquer the difficult track that stretches through wildlife sanctuaries, countryside, single tracks, streams and rivulets. The riders pedaled at an average altitude ranging between 2500-4000 mts through several sharp curves, uphill and downhill trails that the route offers.

Congratulating the winners of UT MTB Shimla 2015 event, Ashish Sood from HASTPA said, “I am proud of what these cyclists 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 it’s not about the bike.”

About Hero Cycles Limited

Incorporated in 1956, Hero Cycles Limited is the largest cycle manufacturer in the world. The company has a manufacturing capacity of 7.5 million bicycles per year, with its unit in Ludhiana (Punjab), Bihar & Ghaziabad. The company has highly integrated plant in Ludhiana which produces 19,000 cycles every day. It also manufactures automotive rims and various other auto components. The company produced 5.5 million bicycles in FY14 and sales of Rs 2,000 cr.

Hero Cycles is a leader in both the standard and special bicycle segments in India, with an overall market share of about 35%. The company is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure and the most modern machinery. The Company also entered the premium bicycle segment with the launch of its new brand, UT, in February 2012. A nation-wide distribution network with over 2,200 dealers and the favorable location of its plants near vendors support its operations and facilitate competitive pricing of its bicycles.

Hero Cycles also exports to various countries in Middle East, Africa, Asia and Europe.