3 Himachali Boys create History; Become 1st in India to participate in oldest MTB stage race of World

Dharamshala,July 6, 2016: Mountain Biking as a sport had a slow start in India but over the last few years has slowly but surely shifted gears. In lieu with this Himalayan Adventure Sports and Tourism Promotion Association (HASPTA) and Hero Cycles have partnered with the oldest MTB race in the world The Bike Trans Alp (in Europe).
HASTPA in collaboration with Hero Cycles would be sending two teams for this mega event. Arguably the Best rider of India Devender Thakur who is also the member of the Hero Action Team would be riding with another member of his team Shiven. The 2nd Team would comprise of Ashish Sood Member of HASTPA and Hinrich Fuchs a veteran German rider.
“Bike Trans Alp was our inspiration when we started Hero MTB Himalaya in 2005. 11 years later we are thrilled to partner with them to promote the sport further in India. Cycling is rapidly increasing in India as a lifestyle activity and with exposure to world class riders and races it will definitely inspire young riders to take up MTB as a sport,” says Mohit Sood, President HASTPA and Founder of Hero MTB Himalaya.
“Bike Trans Alps is one of the world’s most prestigious and toughest amateur cross country mountain bike races. It is the ultimate an event every mountain biker aspires to be part of. It is therefore no doubt a wonderful opportunity for Indian riders who will participate in the event for the first time. It will also give a boost to the mountain biking scene in India which has in recent years gained a niche yet significant following. We are sure our young riders will come back rich in experience and learning from the event. We are also hopeful that this will go a long way in popularizing the sport in India,” said Mr. Pankaj Munjal, Managing Director of Hero Cycles.