Mountain Bikers Ride High On Himachal Lofty Peaks

The length of the rally is 550 km. On an average, a cyclist will pedal 80-90 km every day with one day of rest and have to ascend 2,000-2,500 metres each day. The highest point of the rally will be the Jalori Pass.

The slopes of Jalori Pass are one of the finest in the world, said Cycling Federation of India member Rakesh Mohindra.

Sood said 85 percent of the total track of the rally passes through terrain riddled with obstacles such as trees and boulders.

"Such kind of a single and muddy track at this altitude is rarely available across the world. The international cyclists are opting for the lower Himalayas for high-altitude training," he said.

He said initially this rally used to see mostly foreigners. But for the past three-four years, it's also getting popular among Indians.

"It has always been our objective to involve more women in the sport. Unfortunately, not too many women in India have taken to mountain biking. Lopes' presence will definitely inspire a lot of young women to follow and take up this great sport," HASTPA general secretary Akhil Puri said.

Portuguese rider Luis Canto Moniz, Ferrari's general manager based in Bangkok, told IANS: "I am happy that such events are picking up speed in India. It's quite popular in Europe, North America and Canada. Himachal's terrain offers the most challenging environment in the Himalayas."

There are separate categories for men and women in the race.

The rally will pass through Shimla, Narkanda, Ani, Jibbi, Ghadagushaini, Chatri to Luhri, then back to Narkanda and finally culminate in the state capital Oct 3.                                                       

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