Bandaru Dattatreya flags off hero MTB Himalaya biking rally
5 Dariya News
5 Dariya News
Shimla , 26 Sep 2019
Governor Bandaru Dattatraya 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 comprises of 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 said, "Pollution is not just of the environment but also of thoughts, and I request all the Indian national riders who will be taking on this journey of MTB Himalaya to promote our culture amongst the 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. He also commended HASTPA and MTB Himalaya for promoting cycling as a sport to retrieve the environment of the state. President, HASTPA Mohit Sood apprised about the participants and added that this year seven women were participating in the event. He said that Hero MTB Himalaya completed 15 years of existence and was ranked amongst top MTB stage races across the world.Deputy Mayor Rakesh Sharma, Director, Hero Cycle Abhishek Munjal, and other prominent people of the town were also present on the occasion.