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One of the world’s toughest and most challenging races is going to be conducted from 26 September to 04 October 2015 in Shimla. 2015 will mark the advent of the second decade of Asia’s premier mountain biking event in India. The 7 seven stage cross country race will take the riders through one of the most challenging tracks in the Himalayas. The riders will ride through 650kms in 8 days with a total elevation gain of 15,000m (49,212ft) with the highest point of the race being the Jalori Pass at 3250m (10,500ft). Luis Leao Pinto, seeded world no. 9 and winner of Hero MTB Himalaya 2013 said that although he had conquered ranges from 2,000 metres to 2,300 metres in Europe, but the mighty hills of Himachal Pradesh are very challenging. The terrain is a mixture of jeep tracks, gravel, mud, sand, streams, single tracks, pine forests. The altitude along with the climbing is set to challenge each and every rider.
According to Mr. Pankaj Munjal, Chairman and MD, Hero Cycles, “We all are very excited for this year’s Hero MTB Himalaya race. We are overwhelmed by the tremendous response that we have received from participants for this year’s edition from both international and national participants. We are witnessing higher and better participation, in both men and women categories as the race grows in magnitude and reputation as one of the most challenging and biggest mountain biking events in the world. Our best wishes are with all the participants and would request them to also ensure their safety while enjoying the thrills of the race.’
The President of Himalayan Adventure Sports & Tourism Promotion Association (HASTPA), the parent body of Hero MTB Himalaya – Mohit Sood is very ecstatic about the upcoming event. “The race was first conceptualised in the year 2004 to bring mountain biking in the Himalayas to the forefront globally. The 11th year is a reaffirmation of our vision as more than 40 international professional riders are participating in this year’s race. ‘To see so many internationally renowned riders participating in this year’s Hero MTB Himalaya is the realisation of the vision with which we started out in 2004. It is very humbling to see that our efforts of bringing India and Himachal to the forefront of mountain biking internationally are finally taking form. We wish all the riders the very best for the race and may the best take the crown of the being the King of the Himalayas,’ said Mohit Sood.
Hero MTB Himalaya has grown from a mere 30 riders in the first edition to a cumulative of 1200 riders over these past 11 years and becoming one of the most sought after races in the world. MTB Himalaya has put Himachal Pradesh and India on the world map of cycling.
“I felt in love with MTB Himalaya long ago. Most of all, I’m racing for the one life experience I expect it to be. It’s all about the place - it’s the people, the culture. And all the difficulties brought by the relief and altitude make MTB Himalaya a challenge I’d dare going through. But, in the end, I keep thinking it is about the people and the experiences with them, although I love racing and competing.” Says Ilda Periera, a World Marathon UCI ranker #13. Ilda is a professional rider having participated in many XC championships in Portugal.
As Reimund Dietzen, former Tour de France rider and a veteran pro rider says “In my life, cycling is a new adventure every single day and I’m sure Hero MTB Himalaya 2015 will be one of the most memorable adventures.” Having won 9 German championships and the podium twice at Vuelta Espana, Reimund Dietzen is looking forward to the adventure at Hero MTB Himalaya.
The rider demographics are as varied as we have ever had. The riders represent over 15 countries from across the world, namely India, Nepal, Holland, Bangladesh, Austria, Germany, Portugal and Canada amongst others. Teams from the Indian defence forces - The Indian Air Force and the Indian Army Adventure Wing will be leading a stiff Indian challenge with the local boys Devender Thakur and Gurman Reen also having a point to prove.
“Having never biked, raced or even travelled in India before, I’m really looking forward to this unique adventure in the impressive landscape of the Himalaya’s. I hope to get a good taste of the Indian/Himalayan culture and get in touch with local people and their traditions, experience amazing scenery and fantastic mountain biking. I expect to be suffering at times, but still hope to enjoy every minute of this experience” says Steven Powel, a seasoned rider who has participated in Swiss Epic, Breck Epic, Joberg2C, Brasil Ride and TransGermany amongst other internationally noteworthy races.
NOTE FROM OUR PARTNERS
HERO CYCLES
Mr. Pankaj Munjal, Chairman and MD, “We all are very excited for this year’s Hero MTB Himalaya race. We are overwhelmed by the tremendous response that we have received from participants for this year’s edition from both international and national participants. We are witnessing higher and better participation, in both men and women categories as the race grows in magnitude and reputation as one of the most challenging and biggest mountain biking events in the world. Our best wishes are with all the participants and would request them to also ensure their safety while enjoying the thrills of the race.’
HRX BY HRITHIK ROSHAN – OFFICIAL ACTIVE WEAR PARTNER
On the partnership with Hero MTB Himalaya 2015, Hrithik Roshan said, "I have always believed that fitness can change who we are and what we do in our lives. Being fit is not a fad or a style statement but a way of life. Hero MTB Himalaya is a superb initiative by HASTPA to involve people into the culture of cycling. Mountain biking is an excellent sport to keep oneself fit. I am happy to announce that as a brand, we are moving forward with Hero MTB Himalaya as partners to motivate and inspire people to be the best versions of themselves. We wish all the riders and organizers at Hero MTB Himalaya the very best for this year’s race."
FORTIS HOSPITAL MOHALI – OFFICIAL HEALTHCARE PARTNER
Mr Abhijit Singh, Facility Director, Fortis Hospital Mohali, said, “India is far from being a fit nation and the focus still largely remains on disease management. We want to change that and encourage people to stay healthy, thereby increase awareness for preventive healthcare in India. We wish the participants and organizers of Hero MTB Himalaya all the best and hope they can inspire many people to lead a healthy lifestyle. I am confident that our team, comprising a doctor, physiotherapist and world-class ambulatory back-up, that will accompany the cyclists through the treacherous terrain will ensure that they remain at the peak during the entire event.”
WHAT’S NEW
1.Winners of previous editions fight it out for the title
Luis Leao Pinto - winner of MTB Himalaya 2013, Narayan Gopal Maharjan – winner of MTB Himalaya 2012 and Ajay Pal Chhetri – winner of MTB Himalaya 2011 will be competing at the 11th edition of Hero MTB Himalaya. For the first time in the history of Hero MTB Himalaya, we will see the champions of previous editions fighting it out for the title this year.
2.More foreign riders
The 11th edition will see the highest ever participation from international participants. Over 40 riders are participating in different categories; 14 in Open Men Solo, 6 in Team of Two category, 16 in Open Master Solo and 6 in Open Women’s category. Seeded World No. 9 Luis Leao Pinto - winner of Hero MTB Himalaya 2013, Catherine Williamson – winner Cape Epic 2013, Pau Zamora – seeded no.12 in Cape Epic, Reimund Dietzen – former Tour de France rider are some of the esteemed riders who will be participating this year in the race.
3.Women riders
The 11th edition will see the highest participation from international women i the race this year. There are six international women riders who will compete for The Queen of Himalayas crown. Catherine Williamson is a seasoned professional rider and is the winner of ABSA Cape Epic 2013. Laxmi Magar is another ace rider from Nepal, winner of MTB Himalaya 2013 in the Women’s category. Shachi Somani is the only Indian rider in the Women’s category, participating in the amateur category.
4.Increased participation
In totality, there are 88 riders including Indian solo riders, riders from Hero Action Team – India’s first professionally managed MTB team and over 40 international riders in various categories. Hero MTB Himalaya has the highest number of riders participating competitively this year.
5.Nepal Earthquake Relief Fund
In the wake of the earthquake that hit Nepal earlier this year in April, HASTPA wants to help the riding fraternity in Nepal in their time of need. As a small gesture, we have given five riding spots in the race to Nepalese riders. The Nepalese riders will be contributing a fourth of their winnings to Nepal Cyclist Ride to Rescue (NCRR) relief campaign. NCRR aims to build 7 schools in 7 weeks in the Sikhar Basti region of Nepal. HASTPA is eager to help Nepal riders in all their relief efforts.
6.Better route
Giving riders a better and different route than before is a principal we like to follow. That said, we proudly claim that the route for the 11th edition of the race has been made tougher and better that will challenge even the most talented riders at the race. The total vertical climbing of the race is about 15000 m or 49212 ft (approximate) over 8 days making it one of the highest in the world! The riders will be enchanted by virgin Himalayan landscapes on each day. Every turn on the route will reveal a vista so unique so beautiful that we guarantee it will take your breath away.The race covers forest tracks, rocky paths, apple orchards, pine and cedar forests to ultimately reach its highest point- the mighty Jalori pass situated at a height of 3250 m above sea level.
7.More Riding
This year the race will be a 9 day event of which the total riding days will be 8 as compared to 6 in the 10thedition. The route is also longer this year, approximately 650 kms as compared to 500 kms last year. The distance is an approximation as it may vary during the final race. The distance combined with the total elevation gain makes Hero MTB Himalaya amongst the toughest and challenging races in the world.
SPECIAL PROJECT – PROJECT EVERYONE
One of the world’s toughest mountain bike challenge and Asia’s oldest MTB Stage Race event, Hero MTB Himalaya 2015, will be partnering with the Global Goals campaign to help promote the new Global Goals for Sustainable Development to some of the worlds hardest to reach communities. the Global Goals campaign aims to reach 7 billion people in 7 days with news of the Global Goals for Sustainable Development (26 September – 2 October 2015). The partnership between the Global Goals campaign and Hero MTB Himalaya 2015 will bring together their vision of promoting the sustainability of local communities and ecological preservation.
Hero MTB Himalaya 2015 is a strategic partner for a unique initiative being launched to help promote the UN Global Goals to some of the worlds hardest to reach communities. In India, the Global Goals flag for Goal 4: Quality Education will be hoisted at one of the highest points in the race at Jalori Pass which is at 3250m above sea level in the Himalayas.
Speaking about the partnership with the Global Goals Campaign, Mr Pankaj Munjal, Chairman and MD, Hero Cycles said, "This is our world and only we are responsible to bring in the change that is needed to eradicate poverty and inequality. Education is the key to the solution and irrespective of our diverse regions and backgrounds, it is imperative for us to come together and ensure availability of quality education to our future generations. We should ensure that every child should have access to good education regardless of his/her economic status, class and location. The UN's Global Goals campaign has provided a common platform not only to all the leaders of the world but also to the people whom they represent, to not only dream about a better world but also to work towards it by adopting global goals.
We are happy that our riders of Hero MTB Himalaya will be the bearers of the Global Globe flag for the Quality Education taking it to one of the world’s highest and most remote areas in the Himalayas."
During the mountain bike challenge across the Himalayas, mountain bikers will also set up camp sites across remote and scenic locales, visiting over 10 remote local villages and schools to teach children about the importance of the goals.
“We have been supporting and conducting school programs in several states like Delhi, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Haryana for the past few years now and we are honoured to partner with the Global Goals campaign. The riders participating in the race will be significant proponents of the campaign as well, leveraging their global following as sportspersons,” said Mr. Anil Saunlakha, Secretary Himalayan Adventure Sports and Tourism Promotion Association (HASTPA).
ROUTEThe race will start from Shimla and the first pit stop will be Gadaguffar near Matiana. From here we will move towards Kullu Sarahan and the last pit stop will be Gada Gushaini. There will be looped circuits of approximately 60-70 km each day of the race. The terrain condition will be single tracks, motor-able jeep tracks, rocky tracks, loose gravel, sand, mud and broken tarmac. There will be an equal amount of uphill and downhill segments. Please note that the final route is subject to change depending on the weather conditions. In case of any other changes in the route, out team will be update you accordingly.
Day 1 : Shimla to Gadakuffar
Day 2 : Gadakuffar to Khegsu
Day 3 : Khegsu to Kullu Sarahan
Day 4 : Kullu Sarahan - (Jalori Pass) - Gada Gushaini
Day 5 : Gada Gushaini to Luhri
Day 6 : Luhri to Gadakuffar
Day 7 : Gadakuffar to Shimla
RIDER PROFILES
1. Luis Leao Pinto
The erstwhile King of the Himalayas 2013, Luis Leao Pinto, seeded World #9 and Europe #6, is back for the 11thedition of Hero MTB Himalaya. A mountain biker at heart Luis prefers gravel/dirt roads over tarmac. He has been ranked amongst the top 10 riders in XCM racing. He has been a part of races teams like Esteve Equip and BMC and now rides as a specialised rider. In 2014, Luis Leao Pinto won the La Ruta de los Conquistadores 2014 in Costa Rica. Some of his notable achievements are winning the Salzkammergut MTB Trophy, winner in Elite men category MTB Jurmala Marathon and the Titan Desert. Known popularly as the Machine at MTB Himalaya, his legs move in perfect synchronisation like a machine! A strong contender for the title yet again this year, we look forward to him completing at the race.
2. Catherine Williams
Having won World and European Elite Championships in triathlon, duathlon, road racing and marathon MTB and winning podium at ABSA Cape Epic and Sani2c, Catherine is an acclaimed world champion. She also completed Joberg2c, W2W, Cape Trek Pioneer, Garden Route 300, Tour Oman, Sudety Challenge, Tour Timor and Mongolian Bike Challenge amongst other world renowned races. She is looking forward to participating in Hero MTB Himalaya to test herself against the difficult terrains the Himalayas have to offer.
3. Pau Zamora
Pau loves to travel, especially if he gets to ride in every part of the world. Having said that, this Buff Pro team athlete has raced in some of the world’s toughest and most challenging races. This 4 time Cape Epic finisher has a personal best of finishing in the 12th position till date. Pau has participated five times in Iron Bike, four times in Titan Desert, Transpyr and Cape Epic. TransAndes, Mongolia Bike Challenge, Breckepic and the Portugal MTB Tour are some of the other noteworthy races he’s participated in.
4. Antonio Ortiz
With years of experience in the professional cycling world, Antonio is a well known rider who has raced in many of the toughest international bike races and is now associated with Buff Pro Team. A pro rider for 7 years in Coronas BH and Specialized, he has won podium finishes in Breck Epic, Mongolia Bike Challenge and twice in the TransAndes. He is a two time winner in the Duo category in TransAndes in 2014 & 2015. A strong contender for the race, he is looking forward to being a part of the race with fellow Buff Pro team members.
5. Andreas Hartman, Germany
Andreas is one of the youngest rider turning heads at the international circuit. He is only 24 and has had his share of fame at world races like the Transalps, Salzkammergut trophy and many more. This is what Andreas has to say about Hero MTB Himalaya and coming to India "I think MTB Himalaya is really attractive for every mountain biker, no matter if a pro or a hobby rider. Perfect organisation, media work and the most important: challenging race tracks through the beauty of Himachal compared with stunning views up to the Himalaya mountains. The combination of classy riders, really hard stages and not to forget the altitude, promise some pretty demanding days to me. All in all I expect some exhausting, adventurous and challenging days in India"
6. Reimund Dietzen
A Master cyclo-cross cyclist from Germany, Reimund Dietzen is a force to reckon by. His previous wins span across nine German championships, two times second place and three other stage wins at Vuelta Espana. The Tour de France rider is enchanted with India and is looking forward to experience and adventure that the Himalayas have to offer at the 11th edition of the Hero MTB Himalaya. Reimund Dietzen has won nine German championships, finished at podium twice in Vuelta Espana.
7. Balboni Vanni
Vanni, the 46 year old Italian Master rider, fell in love with Mountain Biking in 1996 and has ensured to perfect himself at the sport since then. He has competed at BC Bike Race Canada, Mongolia Bike Challenge, Iron Bike Italia, Bike Odyssey Grecia, joberg2c, Old Mutual South Africa, Langkawi LIMBC Malaysia, Trans Hayar Oman, Zillertal Bikechallenge Austria among others. When asked aboiut why he wants to race at the event, he says ”Because I like difficult challenges and I expect good results”
8. Manuel Weissenbacher
The Austrian has won many races of international acclaim like the Salzkammergut Trophy, Bike & Beat Enduro race and the Kitzalpbike Marathon. He has completed tenth at the ountainbike Granit Marathon, second in the Top Six Marathon 2013 and ninth on the Bike TransAlp.
