Tribune News Service

Shimla, September 26

Himachal Governor Bandaru Dattatreya flagged off Hero MTB Himalaya, Asia’s oldest mountain biking rally, organized by Himalayan Adventure Sports and Tourism Promotion Association (HASTPA) and Hero Cycles from here today.

The race promises an exciting and excruciating eight-day journey ahead from Shimla to Bir in Kangra district. As many as 100 riders from 17 countries are participating in the rally. The Governor urged the riders from India to promote the Indian culture amongst their fellow international riders.

He thanked the international riders for promoting pollution-free transport as a means of travel and encouraging them to have pollution-free and environment-friendly trip.

President, HASTPA, Mohit Sood said that seven women were participating in the event this year. He said that Hero MTB Himalaya had completed 15 years of existence and was ranked amongst top MTB stage races across the world.