The 10th edition of Hero MTB Himalaya starts from 27 September 2014 and will witness six days of adventure biking crossing 100 villages on a 500 kms race route with the mighty Himalayas as its visual background.
Mr. Pankaj Munjal, Co-Chairman and Managing Director,-
Mohit Sood, Managing Director, HASTPA, organiser of Hero MTB Himalaya -
Hero Cycles also announced its entry in competitive cycling sport at the 10th edition of Hero MTB Himalaya.
Pankaj Munjal -
Hero MTB Himalaya, organised by Himachal Adventure Sport & Tourism Promotion Association (HASTPA), has grown from a mere 30 riders in the first edition to becoming one of the most sought after races in the world today. The high profile entries include Portuguese rider Sonia Lopes, who has also been roped in as the female ambassador of the event. Sonia is a role model in the sport of cycling having won International accolades as a peloton and excelling in 24-hour solo championships. Sonia has the honour of being the first and only female cyclist to conquer the non-stop 500 km Portugal Bike Race.
Sonia Lopes -
The event will also see one of the greatest cyclists of modern times Cory Wallace sweating it out. Wallace, the current Canadian champion and who has won titles all across the world, has been made the male ambassador of the event.
Cory Wallace -
twelve countries, namely India, Nepal, Holland, Bangladesh, Austria, Germany, Portugal, Canada, Belgium, Poland, United Kingdom and Columbia that will be represented at the race. Teams from the Indian defence forces namely the Indian Air Force and the Indian army adventure wingRACE DETAILS -
End Date 3rd October
Start/End Place Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Total Days 8
Riding Days 6
Distance 500KM
No of Riders 63
Elevation gain Approx 2000-2500m each day
Maximum Elevation Approx 3050m
Race Type Cross Country, Enduro
Terrain Type Off-road, Broken Tarmac, Gravel, Rocks, Mud, Sand, Lose Rock, Single track
Stay Type Hotel and Tent
RIDER PROFILE
1. Sonia Lopes, Portugal
The Portuguese rider is a role model in the sport of cycling having won International accolades as a peloton and excelling in 24 hour solo championships. Balancing to perfection, the roles of mother and professional rider, her incredible performance at top cycling events is proof of the culmination of intense preparation and focus, especially towards her long standing objective of 24 hour solo championships. Sonia has the honour of being the first and only female cyclist to conquer the non stop 500 km Portugal Bike Race.
2. WolfGang Krenn, Austria
A marathon champion of International acclaim, he has first place finishes in some of the most prestigious races in the world, like the MTB European Championships, the MTB Indoor World Championships and various mountain biking marathons.Krenn has a wealth of stage racing and marathon MTB experience, including winning the Salzkammergut Trophy in 2011, coming second at the Crocodile Trophy in 2011, and a very strong showing at the Cape Epic.
3. John funk, Canada4. Andreas Hartman, Germany
Andreas is one of the youngest rider turning heads at the international circuit. He is only 23 and has had his share of fame at world races like the Transalps, salzkammergut trophy and many more.
his is what Andreas has to say about Hero MTB Himalaya and coming to India "I think MTB Himalaya is really attractive for every mountainbiker, no matter if a pro or a hobby rider. Perfect organisation, media work and the most important: challenging race tracks through the beauty of himachal compared with stunning views up to the Himalaya mountains.
The combination of classy riders, really hard stages and not to forget the altitude, promise some pretty demanding days to me. All in all i expect some exhausting, adventurous and challenging days in india".
5.Aayman Tamang, Nepal
The Smiling assasin. You will never see Aayman without a smile. He races hard and wins hearts. He was here in 2012 and surprised everyone with a second overall position. He is one of the best riders in Nepal. He rides for the Singletrack team in Nepal and regularly features in the top 5 riders of that country.
"MTB Himalaya is one my favourite race. I love everyone there, the organizers , the armyteam and everyone is always friendly and nice to me. My experience with high altitude in Nepal always helps me at MTB Himalaya . I was there in 2012 and i hope i can win this year too. The riders that are coming this year are world class and it will be difficult to beat them" said Aayman about the race.
6. Devender Thakur, India7. Cory Wallace, Canada
Cory is a very well known name in the world of cycling. The current Canadian Champion has won titles all across the world.
We are thrilled beyond imagination to announce that Cory will the Official male Ambassador for the race. He is helping us realize our vision of establishing India as a premier MTB Destination. Cory will be guiding us to ensure that we reach the maximum potential.
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Source: Hero Cycles Press Release



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