By : Mohan Verma
MTB Himalayan Shimla 2014, the mountain biking race was flagged off at Hotel Holiday Home at Shimla this morning.
About 60 bikers were flagged off in high spirits by the chief of staff Army Training Command (ARTRAC) Lieutenant General B.S. Sachar who himself being a cycling enthusiast, addressed the riders, exhorting them and also asked them to join similar event organised by Indian Army and adventure sports.
General Officer himself rode the bike at the flag off and joined the riders participating in the race.
Mr. Mohit Sood, Founder of HASTPA (Himalayan Adventure Sports and Tourism Promotion Association) addressed the riders before the flag off and wished them all the best for the race.
Along with him, the stage was shared by Mr. Rajesh Kalra, the Chief Editor of Times Internet and founder of Pedal Yatri, Mr. Gaurav Matta, marketing manager at UT Bikes and Mr. Ashish Sood, Director of Communications for MTB Himalaya.
The cross country race has advanced into its first day and the riders will be facing a competitive ride of approximately 43 km, riding through 6 water streams in the river bed section and loose gravel surface in the off road sections.
As of the timings reported during the day, Rider Devender was leading the race closely followed by Kiran in the solo men category. Woman rider Vamini was leading in the solo women category and Shiven leading in the student category. Detailed results for the day would be announced later.
