Shimla, Sep 24 (IANS) The 12th edition of the Hero MTB Himalaya cycle race is all set to begin from Shimla on Sunday. It will conclude at Dharamshala on October 3 after covering 650 kms of Himalayan track in eight days.
The event is organised by the Himalayan Adventure Sports & Tourism Promotion Association (HASTPA).
The Hero Action Team which is sponsoring the Indian team was conceptualised by HASTPA and Hero Cycles in 2014 with an objective to provide a platform and ecosystem for budding biking talent in the country.
The race will be done in eight stages, and every day there will be a different base camp on the tricky track.
According to HASTPA spokesperson Ashish Sood: "This year, we are expecting 60 entries. Several world famous riders, including seven woman riders, have confirmed their participation."
Pankaj Munjal, Chairman and MD Hero Cycles, said: "Mountain biking is a sport that requires a high degree of training, stamina and passion for biking in the high terrain. The sport has gained a encouraging following in recent years but we want to expand its reach to more youngsters in the country."