The mountain biking (MTB) Shimla 2019 race, held under the aegis of Himalayan Adventure Sports and Tourism Promotion Association (HASTPA), was flagged off from historic ridge maidan here on Friday.
The race was flagged off by state chief secretary Ram Subagh Singh and athletes from the Special Olympic cycling champions from Himachal Pradesh.
Over 100 cyclists from six countries including hosts India, Germany, Japan, Columbia, Nepal and United Kingdom are participating in the race, HASTPA president Mohit Sood said.
A five-member team from border security force (BSF) and a three-member team from Service Selection Board (SSB) and three jawans from army are also taking part in the race.
The youngest participant is 14-year-old Hukum Singh from Kullu, while the eldest participant is 63-year-old Vijay Mittar from Ludhiana.
A 25-kilometer non-competitive stretch that covered Sanjauli, Dhalli and Mashobra was organised on Friday in the spirit of inaugurating the main race, starting Saturday.
The participants will travel a distance of 110 kms over two days on the off-road route during the race, which will culminate on Sunday.
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