The 5th edition Hero MTB Himalaya Shimla edition - popularly known as Hero MTB Shimla is scheduled for April 14th-16th 2016 in the heart of Himalayan Shivalik. Starting from the queen of hills, Shimla the race travels nearly 120 km and climbing more than 3000 m over 2 competitive stages .
HASTPA and Hero Cycles have come together to establish India as a premier MTB destination and this will be another step in that direction Every year top cyclists from across the country gather in Shimla to participate in one of the biggest cycling and physical endurance challenges of the region.
Shimla will yet again play host to the 5th edition of this gruelling race which will see riders take on the might Shivalik range over two stages. More than 100 riders from cities like Shimla, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Gurgaon, Delhi, Chandigarh, Chennai, Siliguri, Ludhiana, Mukteshwar, Karnal, Manali, Ahmedabad will be locking horns for the title of King of Shivalik“.
We are so excited to see the growth in participation and support for the upcoming edition. The riders from Shimla have really improved and are among the favourites to win the race.
This is the highest participation we have ever seen at Hero MTB Shimla and we are still flooded with requests from riders to join in. We are looking forward to hosting the best edition yet.
It feels great to be able to showcase the potential that our state and town of Shimla offers for mountain biking. We hope this grows leaps and bounds from here” said Mohit Sood President of HASTPA the parent body behind the race Hero MTB Shimla is an action packed MTB race which tests the riders to their core!
It’s a test of endurance, skill and stamina, both mental and physical. From the endless downhills to back breaking climbs; from stream crossings to technical single tracks - this race has it all.
Participants will be riding along the best MTB riders from across India and testing themselves against the punishing terrain as well very competitive athletes. Setup on exquisite trails, the race offers a mix of nature and wilderness too.
Some of the high-profile athletes that will participate in the race are:
Devender Thakur - Member of Hero Action Team and two-time champion is a local boy from Shimla
Johan Bentick - A veteran Dutch rider Madaan Sandeep - Team B Twin from Chandigarh( was overall second last year)
Shiven - Winner of the student category twice and sponsored by Hero Cycles through Hero Action Team
Anita Groser - A mother of two from Delhi who has won a free entry into the race, courtesy her win in the recently held race series in Gurgaon
Akshit Gaur - 16 year old student from St Edwards School who is all set to challenge for the podium
The route:
The route of the race shall take the riders from the historic Ridge Maidaan to the forests of Chail. The riders will be riding some beautiful meadows, forest trails as well Jeep tracks.
Day 1 Route: Woodville Palace —- Ridge —- Gorton’s castle —- Tara Devi —- Sheel gaaon - Anandpur - Sadhulpul —- Janedghat - Dochi —- Kanechi
Day 2 Route: Kanechi —-Janedghat —Koti -— Mundaghat —Chini Bunglow —- Sanjauli - raj Bhawan — Woodville
