Cycling championship on World’s highest road

Put on your riding gears, sunglasses, old jacket and the running shoes, clean up your cycles, the water can, the helmet and prime up your body. For, India is to make its mark in the world cycling circuit with the Northern Escapes’ Manali Khardungla Cycling Championship – 2014 – and everyone is invited to make it a grand success. Whereas in countries like Germany, Italy, Belgium, Netherland, USA people are crazy about cycling as a sport, India had till sometime back, completely lacked taking interest in the sport. But, recently there has been a sea-change in the interest levels and more and more people have taken up cycling on a regular basis. Northern Escapes brings India’s first ever cycling championship to India this year in July (5^th-13^th July).

Amidst a clear blue sky, the Manali-Khardung La route is very soothing and picturesque with snow capped mountains, rocky terrain, deep valleys, shimmering high altitude turquoise lakes and a deadly desert which have always attracted cyclist and motorists from across the world. But, it has never had a cycling championship, and hence Northern Escapes brings the experience of unparalleled beauty and adventure in this 520 Km’s race directed by long distance cyclist Anil Uchil, where the eligibility for entering the race is 18+ and physically fit with good amount of endurance. The winners will win high end championship grade cycles.

The championship has three integral formats – the first format is a 7 stage race from Manali to KhardungLa determining the winner on the basis of time, speed and distance (TSD). The second format of race is of 2 days from Manali to Jispa in Himachal, the participants can then complete the journey with Northern Escapes’ support vehicles or take a leisure cycling trip route further. The third format is for participants who want to enjoy the ride and do not wish to be a part of the race.

This route has been famous for its changing scenic beauty at every bend. From lush green pastures to rocky mountain deserts famously known as the Moon Land has attracted several cyclists from many countries. The ever-changing landscapes and the challenging terrain attracts more than 3,000 cyclist and bikers to explore the region every year. Northern Escapes founder, Gaurav Schimar says, “The Manali-Khardungla Cycling 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. 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.” adds Schimar.