The historic Ridge Maidan in Shimla came alive with excitement as Chief Secretary Sh. K.K. Pant (IAS) flagged off the ceremonial Heritage Ride, officially launching the 13th edition of MTB Shimla 2026. Powered by Hartex and hosted by HASTPA, the premier event runs from 23rd to 25th October, bringing together over 80 mountain bikers from 20 cities across India. Commending HASTPA’s two-decade legacy in pioneering adventure sports, the Chief Secretary highlighted that Himachal Pradesh is uniquely suited for soft adventure and eco-cycling, reaffirming the government’s commitment to expanding cycling infrastructure as the most authentic way to explore the state.
Returning to its classic Cross Country Marathon roots, this year’s competition challenges riders across 130 km of rugged Himalayan terrain with 3,800 meters of vertical climbing over two main timed stages: ‘The Flight of the Pheasant’ and ‘The Cedar Wreath’. Navigating through Kufri Wildlife Sanctuary, Mashobra, and Fagu, participants will tackle dense forest paths, jeep trails, rock gardens, and mountain streams. In a major first for the event, gravel bikes are also officially permitted to race alongside traditional mountain bikes.
The event boasts remarkable age diversity, spanning from Shimla’s own 11-year-old Kaarik Sharma in the U-16 category to 68-year-old veteran Maheshwar Dutt. Competing for a prize pool of ₹8 lakh across six categories, the grid features nine national podium holders alongside prominent young talents like Jaipur’s Arnav Sharma and Bengaluru’s Sneho Roy. Held in association with Himachal Tourism and supported by key partners like Hartex Rubber, the event also emphasizes rider safety through a collaboration with Royal Enfield Social Mission’s ‘Helmets for India’ initiative.
Sponsored
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
