Thaindian News

Shimla, Oct 7 (IANS) Padam Sabenhang of Nepal has won again the fifth edition of one of India’s toughest cycle rallies, Hercules Mountain Biking Himachal-2009, an organiser of the rally said Wednesday.
“Sabenhang, 24, of Nepal is the second-time winner of the Hercules Mountain Biking Himachal in the solo category,” Mohit Sood, president of the Himalayan Adventure Sports and Tourism Promotion Association (HASTPA), told IANS.

Last year too, Sabenhang was the winner in the same category.

“The rugged and inhospitable terrain here is similar to that in my country. This favoured me a lot. Of course, luck too favoured me,” Sabenhang said.

During the 652 km expedition, only 41 out of the total 70 cyclists completed the event.

“Forty-one cyclists have managed to complete the expedition. Three cyclists sustained injuries during the event,” he said.

Ramesh Chandra Joshi finished second while Dilip Singh stood third. Both are from the Indian Army. Joshi too came second in last year’s event.

Sabenhang completed the expedition in 15 hours 49 minutes and 43 seconds, while Joshi took 16 hours 24 minutes and six seconds and Singh 16 hours 41 minutes and 15 seconds to complete the event.

Twelve cyclists from abroad also participated in the rally.

The 10-day event, which started from Shimla Sep 27, passed through the picturesque and rocky terrains of Shimla, Mandi and Kullu. It concluded at Manali in Kullu district Tuesday evening.

Covering the most rugged and inhospitable terrain, Hercules Mountain Biking Himachal has been billed as the third toughest mountain biking event in the world, next to the Trans-Alps Challenge (Europe) and Trans Rockies (Canada).

The Jalori Pass at 3,223 metres in Kullu district was the highest point on the rally route.