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One of the toughest races in the world – the Hero MTB Himalaya commences from the 27th of September amidst the longest mountain range of the world – the Himalayas - in the background. Riders from all over the world have thronged to India to throw their ring in the hat as a participant in the race, which will follow a loop-based route in Himachal Pradesh.
Here are the top 10 riders to watch out for in the 11th edition of the race:
Narayan Mahajan
The 29-year-old Nepalese will be looking to win the MTB Himalaya for the second time, having already won the event back in 2012. Sponsored by Recoil from Machu, Narayan will be competing in the men's solo category once again. This year, he has set his sights on winning the national championship and Yak Attack once again, having won the highest mountain bike race in the world in 2013.
Siegred Van Bever
The 40-year-old from Belgium is no stranger to the dangers of biking on mountains having participated in races like the Cape Epic, Trans Alps and Duoro Bike Racem. The Hero MTB Himalaya will be her maiden race in India and is looking to have fun at the scenic Himalayas. Her experience of travelling to Ladakh will also hold her in good stead at the race.
Devender Thakur
At a tender age of just 21 years, Devender Thakur is one of the youngest participants in the event. The Indian has been riding for 4 years now and will be seen on UT HT PRO1 in the Men's Solo category at the 2015 Hero MTB Himalaya, his third attempt at this unique race along the Himalayas. He is the reigning champion of the MTB Shimla, winning it twice – 2014 and 2015 – which will give him an advantage in Hero MTB Himalaya, which commences and culminates in Shimla.
Santosh Tripathi
32-year-old Santosh Tripathi travels all the way from the United Arab Emirates and will be competing in the Team of Two category in the Desert Warriors Team on the Giant Anthem 27.5 full suspension bike. To become the Indian national champion and finish Cape Epic is his ultimate achievement.
Balboni Vanni
The Italian cyclist has been riding for almost 20 years, covering nearly all the continents in his storied career. Balboni Vanni's biggest achievement came when he won the 2008 Iron Bike race. In the Masters Solo Category at the Hero MTB Himalaya, the 47-year-old will be looking to conjure up a win by deriving experience from his glittering career.
Steven Pauwels
Steven Pauwels is a 40-year-old cyclist who is living the dream. He comes into the 2015 Hero MTB Himalaya after a brilliant performance in the Crocodile Trophy in Australia. With this edition being his maiden foray into the event, Steven will be looking to win the Master Solo Category and write his name in history while riding on his Trek Elite 9.9 bike.
Walter Perryman
“Live life to the fullest” - This is the motto Walter Perryman lives his life by and it has served him well. The American is relatively new to cycling, having taken to biking as a sport just over a year ago when he rented an MTB bike with his friends. However, he has already taken part in 3 races and is looking forward to “experiencing the unknown” at the Hero MTB Himalaya. This 38-year-old will be competing on the 2014 Scott Spark 920 and he wants to make the most of his trip to India by winning in the Men's Solo category.
Pau Zamora
Spaniard Pau Zamora will be competing in the Hero MTB Himalaya on his Niner Air RDO bike with the Buff Pro Team. The 36-year-old is a regular rider and fulfils his dream of travelling the world through his passion of cycling. Pau's cycling career has seen him travel to South Africa, France, Spain, Andorra and more. Pau is not one to be taken lightly at the Hero MTB Himalaya as he looks to conquer the Himalayas.
Reimund Dietzen
56-year-old Reimund Dietzen will be one of the favourites in the Open Masters Solo category at the Hero MTB Himalaya. He brings with him a storied past in biking, having participated in the Tour de France while lifting the Vuelta de Espana title. The German will be looking to add another feather to his hat by winning the 11th edition of the Hero MTB Himalaya.
Ilda Pereira
Her 5th year of biking brings 33-year-old Ilda Pereira to India to compete in the Hero MTB Himalaya. The Portuguese took to cycling back in 2010 and has never looked back claiming plenty of wins on the way. She will be seen riding the Lapierre ProRace Ultimate 2015 bike and will be gunning for the win in the Women's Solo Category.
