Hercules MTB Himachal

The 6th edition of Hercules MTB Himachal 2010 was flagged off today from the historic ridge at 11am. The rally was flagged off by Dr Rajiv Bindal, the Health Minister of Himachal Pradesh. The ceremony was also attended by Sh. Suresh Bhardwaj, MLA Shimla, Mrs. Madhu Sood, Mayor Shimla, and senior government officials.

In his speech Dr Bindal stressed on the importance of such initiatives as they helped in projecting Himachal Pradesh as an eco-tourism friendly destination. According to him such initiatives also provided impetus to sustainable development in the state. The state government will continue to support the event in the future as well.

Mrs. Madhu Soon in her speech extended a warm welcome to riders who had come to Shimla as the first citizen of the city. She gave her best wishes to the participants in the rally and egged them to come again to this beautiful town and the state of Himachal Pradesh.

Sh. Suresh Bhardwaj assured the organizers that he would personally take up the matter of constructing cycles stands on key routes on which cycle can be promoted in Shimla.

Sh. Vinod Menon, AGM TI Cycles of India thanked Dr. Bindal and the State Government for extending its cooperation in organizing of the event. He also stressed on the fact that TI Cycles is associated with the event since 2005 and the company is truly committed towards promoting cycling in the country. The company has been organizing cyclothons across the country.  And they would like to make this event the toughest event in the world.

The riders after travelling a total distance of 59.5 kms reached Sainj in the evening. Today’s race was particularly tough as the rider’s braved hail, storm and rain throughout the day to complete today’s stages. The riders travelled from Shimla to Sainj via Mashobra, Baikhalti, Fagu, and Cheog. By the time the last rider reached the campsite it was already 6pm. The Dileep Kumar from the Indian Army adventure wing was provisionally leading the race by the time this report was filed.

Tags: Baikhalti, Cheog, Dileep Kumar, Fagu, Hercules MTB Himachal, Himachal Pradesh, Indian Army, Mashobra, Sainj, Shimla, TI Cycles