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Sonia Lopes, the first and only female cyclist to conquer the non-stop 500 km Portugal Bike Race, will be racing at the 10th Hero MTB Himalaya, scheduled from 26th Sept. to 3rd Oct. 2014. The Official Female Brand Ambassador of Hero MTB Himalaya, the presence of the top International rider from Portugal will give a huge boost to women participation in the sport of mountain biking.
Sonia Lopes is a role model having won International accolades as a peloton and excelling in 24 hour solo championships. Balancing to perfection, the roles of mother and professional rider, herincredible performance at top cycling events is proof of the culmination of intense preparation and focus especially towards her long standing objective of 24 hour solo championships.
Sonia Said she is committed to improve the level of this sport in India.” I really hope I can do well and inspire a lot of people in India, especially women. The team behind MTB Himalaya has done well so far to promote mountain biking in India. I will ensure I do my best to promote this sport. My aim is not just to win but also to inspire. I will be the official female race ambassador for the 10th edition of this epic Himalayan Adventure. I am really looking forward to racing in the Himalayan region of India. I have seen a few pictures and they look spectacular. I will do my best to promote India as a MTB Destination” Said Sonia Lopes
“It has always been our objective to involve more women in the sport. Unfortunately not too many women in India have taken to Mountain Biking. Sonia’s presence at the race will definitely inspire a lot of young women to follow and take up this great sport“ saidAkhilPuri General Secretary HASTPA
Apart from being a top athlete, Sonia is at the forefront oflending her support to noteworthy organisations like Bike Pure and Songo as their International Ambassador. Her work as a role model for Bike Pure dedicated to the fight against doping and the South African humanitarian project Songo.info (www.songo.info) supporting disadvantaged children, is highly commendable. "Athletes should be more than a podium or a medal. Sport can make this world more perfect and all the players are examples for the rest of society", Sonia Lopes says when asked about her motivation and dedication to“the world of pedals” as she likes to call it.
Some of her recent noteworthy achievements are:
2013
1st - Portugal Open XCR 2013
1st - Madrid 24 hours
1st - Portugal Bike Race 500k
2012
1st - Portugal Open XCR 2012
1st - Andalucía 12 hours - Spain XCR Open
1st - Lisbon 24 hours
2011
1st - Portugal Open XCR
1st - Abrantes 24 hours
1st - Algarve Stadium 24 hours
1st - Lisbon 24 hours
1st - Proença-a-Nova 24 hours
1st - Famalicão 24 hours
1st - Sardoal Marathon
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