Akshit lone Indian at international mountain biking event

Shimla, June 9 (IANS) Teenager Akshit Gaur is the lone Indian among the likes of veterans Cory Wallace from Canada, Yuki Ikeda from Japan and Nepali Ajay Pandit Chettri to take part in an international mountain biking event -- Rumble in the Jungle MTB -- being held in Sri Lanka next week.

At 17, Gaur is set to become the youngest contestant in the cross-country marathon style four-stage race, covering a distance of close to 300 km over four days.

The riders will need to climb an altitude of close to 8,000 metres in four days over off-road sections, mountain ranges and tea gardens of Sri Lanka.

Gaur looked optimistic before the event and has followed strict training sessions.

"For a 17-year-old, it is much like a dream come true to be at the starting line of a race with riders like Cory Wallace," he said.

"The prospect does make me a little nervous as this is my first international race. At the same time, I am very confident about my training. I have followed a strict training regime which has given me the right shape and stamina for this race," he added.

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