The serene beauty of Himalayas in the background and toughest cycle tracks of MTB Himalaya mountain biking race are only close to the ones in Colombia, 3-times champion of the race, Catherine Williamson said.
“The tough terrain of mountain biking race is more demanding than any other races in the world,” she told The Statesman.
Williamson, who is participating the race fourth time, however, feels like home in Himachal Pradesh and said ‘it is like coming back to family again’. Every time, I visit Shimla to participate in the race, I get new experiences which are full of challenges as the route has it all from freezing cold to hot humid climate during the week-long expedition, she added.
The 36-year-old cyclist from UK, Williamson had started cycling at the age of 16 and she had started mountain biking 6-7 years ago. In her 20-years long career, she had won world and European Elite Championships in triathlon, duathlon and road racing. She urged for taking to cycling as it not only helps in keeping one fit but also is environment friendly.
Harry Molloy, another biker from UK, said he was participating in the event for first and it would prove as a lifetime experience for him for its picturesque beauty and steep climbs. “The race is quite different from other mountain biking races owing to tough terrain of entire route,” he said, adding he is looking forward to first ever experience of the ride.