Cyclists from 20 cities to battle rugged trails, steep climbs and technical descents from October 23 to 25
Shimla, October 22, 2026: The mountains are calling, and the challenge is set to be as demanding as it is exhilarating. With 130 kilometres of rugged Himalayan terrain, 3,800 metres of elevation gain and a prize purse of Rs 8 lakh, the 13th edition of MTB Shimla, powered by HARTEX, is all set to bring the region alive with competitive cycling from October 23 to 25. Organised by the Himalayan Adventure Sports and Tourism Promotion Association (HASTPA), the event will bring together riders from 20 cities, including nine national podium finishers, for a three-day test of endurance, technical skill and determination.
Returning to its Cross Country Marathon (XCM) roots, this year’s edition features a prologue followed by two timed stages, with nearly 90 per cent of the course running off-road. Forest trails, narrow singletracks, rugged jeep roads, rock gardens and stream crossings will challenge riders at every turn. While prolonged climbs will test their stamina, technical descents will demand precision, control and unwavering concentration. Adding a new dimension to the competition, gravel bikes will be permitted for the first time.
The racing action will intensify on October 24 with Stage One, titled The Flight of the Pheasant. Covering 55 kilometres with 1,780 metres of climbing, the route will begin at Kufri Wildlife Sanctuary and wind through Patgyaar, Talo ka Naal, Mundaghat, Tharol, Galu and Fagu before finishing at Dak Bangla. The demanding combination of forest trails and sustained elevation gain is expected to set a challenging pace for the competition.
The second stage, The Cedar Wreath, will unfold on October 25 over 48 kilometres, with 1,280 metres of climbing. Starting at Kufri Wildlife Sanctuary, cyclists will ride through Charabra, Mashobra, Purani Koti, Kanda, Dak Bangla, Fagu and Bekalthi before crossing the finish line at Mashobra. Beyond the sporting spectacle, the two stages will showcase the lesser-seen landscapes of Shimla, taking riders through its forests, villages and mountain trails far beyond the familiar tourist circuits.
With Rs 8 lakh at stake across six categories, the competition promises a compelling mix of experience and youthful ambition. Shimla’s 11-year-old Kaarik Sharma will be the youngest participant, while 68-year-old Maheshwar Dutt will be the oldest, highlighting the sport’s appeal across generations. Shimla will field 18 riders, while Bengaluru will contribute six competitors. Participants are also arriving from cities and regions including Jaipur, Delhi, Leh and Guwahati. The meeting of local talent and experienced national-level cyclists is expected to provide emerging riders with valuable exposure to high-level competition.
Beyond the race, MTB Shimla will place road safety firmly in the spotlight. HASTPA and Royal Enfield Social Mission have joined hands as Partners for Safe Riding, drawing on the Helmets for India initiative to promote responsible cycling and road behaviour. Ms Mehar Panwar, ASP Shimla, Himachal Pradesh Police, attended the press conference and emphasised the importance of wearing helmets and respecting traffic rules. She commended the organisers for making road safety an integral part of an event that also promotes fitness and sporting excellence.
Addressing the gathering, Panwar said that wearing a helmet correctly on every ride, following traffic rules and respecting fellow road users were essential habits. She noted that initiatives of this kind could encourage responsible behaviour, particularly among young riders, and stressed that every journey should end with a safe return home.
Praveen from HARTEX, the brand powering this year’s edition, was also present at the press conference. The interaction highlighted how sporting events can bring together the cycling community, industry partners and public institutions to promote a stronger cycling culture while spreading awareness about safety and fitness.
For HASTPA, however, the significance of MTB Shimla extends well beyond the finish line. The association views cycling as a means of transforming lives by creating opportunities for young people, nurturing sporting talent and helping local communities benefit from cycling tourism. Since launching MTB Himalaya in 2005 and MTB Shimla in 2012, HASTPA has worked to strengthen India’s position on the global cycling tourism map.
The event is being held in association with Himachal Tourism, with support from Royal Enfield, Radkaat, Big FM, SJVN, AU Small Finance Bank, HPDT and Pranah. As riders prepare to take on the Himalayan trails, MTB Shimla once again brings together adventure, athletic ambition, environmental discovery and the message that a stronger cycling culture must go hand in hand with safer roads.
