India will make its mark on the world cycling circuit when the inaugural Manali-Khardung La Cycling Championship starts July 5.
The 520-km race till July 13 will cover the soothing and picturesque Manali to Khardung La route which has snow-capped mountains overlooking rocky terrain, deep valleys, shimmering high altitude turquoise lakes and cold deserts.
The nine-day event will be directed by long-distance cyclist Anil Uchil. The eligibility for entering the race is 18 years and the winners will win high-end championship grade cycles.
The championship has three stages. The first format is a seven-stage race from Manali to Khardung La. which will determine the winner on the basis of time, speed and distance (TSD).
The second format is of two days from Manali to Jispa. The participants can then complete the journey with support vehicles or take a leisurely cycling trip further.
The third format is for participants who want to enjoy the ride and not be a part of the race.
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Details are available on www.manalikhardungla.in.
"The championship is a test of ability and endurance where the cyclists are not only pitched against each other but also against the sheer elements in surreal surroundings in this high-altitude region," race organiser Northern Escapes' founder Gaurav Schimar said.
"Each year, hundreds of cyclists from across the world cycle on this route but this is the first time a race is being organised on this circuit. With the times to come, this race is aimed to become an international event with cyclists from across the globe participating in it. This race is to encourage and ensure that we can put India on the global cycling circuit," he said.