Seventy intrepid cyclists set out from here Sunday morning to conquer the rocky Himalayan terrain for the fifth edition of the Hercules Mountain Biking Himachal-2009, considered India's toughest cycle rally.
During the 652-km expedition, the cyclists will test their level of endurance and skill on the mountainous terrain of the Himalayas over the next 10 days, cycling over hills and through streams of the picturesque state.
'The Hercules Mountain Biking Himachal-2009 started from Shimla this (Sunday) morning and will pass through Shimla, Mandi and Kullu districts,' Mohit Sood, president of the Himalayan Adventure Sports and Tourism Promotion Association (HASTPA), told IANS.
The expedition, which is being organised by HASTPA, was flagged off by Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal.
'The route is quite tough and passes through trails on lofty mountains and gurgling streams. The expedition will not only enable the participants to test their skill, strength and spirit but also enable them to enjoy the countryside beauty of the state,' he said.
This time, only 12 cyclists from abroad are participating in the rally. According to Sood, a majority of foreign participants cancelled their entries in the expedition due to the swine flu panic in the country.
'Almost 50 percent of the participants from European countries have cancelled their entries. Most of them cited swine flu as the only reason for not participating in the expedition this time,' he said.
Thirty-three foreigners, mainly from European countries, had participated in the biking event last year.
Covering the most rugged and inhospitable terrain, Hercules Mountain Biking Himachal has been billed as the third toughest mountain biking event in the world, next to the Trans-Alps Challenge (Europe) and Trans Rockies (Canada).
The Jalori Pass (at 3,223 metres) in Kullu district is the highest point on the rally route.
Indian cyclists include teams from the Indian Army, the Indian Air Force and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police.
The expedition will conclude in Manali Oct 6.
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