The 11th Firefox MTB Himalaya Shimla 2024: Biggest MTB Race in India Attracts Riders from Across the Country

The 11th Firefox MTB Himalaya Shimla 2024: Biggest MTB Race in India Attracts Riders from Across the Country

The 11th edition of the Firefox MTB Himalaya Shimla is gearing up to be the biggest mountain biking race India has ever seen. With 140 riders participating from 45 cities across India and 5 countries, the event promises to be a thrilling display of skill and endurance.

A Race Through the Majestic Himalayas

Held in the picturesque Shimla hills, the race will take riders on a challenging journey through some of the most pristine parts of the Shivalik Mountains. The two-day event will cover 130 km with an elevation gain of 3,000 meters. Riders will traverse a diverse terrain including jeep roads, single tracks, and forest climbs, offering a true test of their mountain biking prowess.

New and Improved for 2024

This year’s race boasts several exciting new features:

• A Completely New Route and Format: The race will be held in a Cross Country Marathon and Cross Country Olympic style format, taking riders through uncharted territories like the forest trails of Kufri Wildlife Sanctuary, Chail Wildlife Sanctuary, and the pristine forests of Mashobra.
• Highest Ever Participation: Witnessing the biggest turnout ever for a mountain biking race in India, 140 riders from 45 cities will be competing. Shimla leads the pack with 16 athletes, followed by Jaipur (12), Gurgaon (10), Dehradun (10), and Chennai (7).
• Increased Women’s Participation: This year’s race sees a record number of female riders with 16 participants taking on the challenge.
• Diverse Rider Demographics: The race welcomes riders of all ages and experience levels. The youngest rider is 11-year-old Tanush Kohli from Odisha, while the oldest is 63-year-old Nizamuddin, a former Air Force officer.

Celebrating Champions and Encouraging New Talent

The race will feature seven categories – Under 16 Boys, Under 19 Boys, Elite Men, Masters Men, Grand Masters Men, Women Elite, and Women Masters. To promote young MTB talent in India, free entry is offered to all national podium winners. Additionally, 50 athletes were selected through the “Road to Himalaya” races held in 11 Indian cities.

Partnership for a Cycling Revolution

This year’s event marks a significant partnership between Firefox Bikes, India’s leading premium bicycle brand, and Magucho, a company dedicated to promoting affordable, sustainable, and healthy lifestyle choices. This collaboration aims to take cycling to every city in India and make it accessible to all.

• Gul Panag, Actor and Founder of Magucho: “We at Magucho are very excited to be working in partnership with Firefox Bikes, to bring curated rides to cities across the country and make cycling accessible to all.”
• CEO of Firefox Bikes: “As a brand, Firefox Bikes are committed to promoting cycling and mountain biking in India. We took Road to Himalaya to 11 cities across India with a single objective: to identify the best cycling talent and provide a free and fair platform for them to showcase their talent. Firefox MTB Shimla is a culmination of the Road to Himalaya races where the best in India will compete with each other for ultimate glory.”

The 11th Firefox MTB Himalaya Shimla 2024 promises to be a landmark event for mountain biking in India. With its challenging course, diverse participants, and focus on promoting cycling talent, the race is set to inspire a new generation of mountain bikers and further establish India on the MTB map.

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