Riders from 20 cities take on forest trails, fierce climbs and technical descents from 23–25 October
SHIMLA, 22 OCTOBER 2026: About 130 kilometres of Himalayan terrain, 3,800 metres of climbing and a prize purse of Rs 8 lakh await riders at the 13th edition of MTB Shimla, powered by HARTEX. Organised by HASTPA from 23–25 October, the race brings together cyclists from 20 cities, including nine national podium holders, for a demanding test of endurance, technical skill and race strategy.
Returning to its Cross Country Marathon (XCM) roots, this year’s edition comprises a prologue and two timed stages. Around 90 per cent of the course is off-road, combining narrow singletrack, forest paths and jeep roads with rock gardens and stream crossings. Long climbs will test stamina; technical descents will demand control and concentration. Gravel bikes are permitted for the first time.
Stage 1, The Flight of the Pheasant, on 24 October covers 55 km with 1,780 metres of climbing. Starting at Kufri Wildlife Sanctuary, the route passes through Patgyaar, TalokaNaal, Mundaghat, Tharol, Galu and Fagu before finishing at Dak Bangla. Its combination of forest terrain and sustained elevation gain promises a hard opening day of competitive racing.
Stage 2, The Cedar Wreath, on 25 October covers 48 km with 1,280 metres of climbing. From Kufri Wildlife Sanctuary, riders head through Charabra, Mashobra, PuraniKoti, Kanda, Dak Bangla, Fagu and Bekalthibefore finishing at Mashobra. Across both stages, the route showcases the countryside beyond Shimla’s familiar tourist landmarks, placing its forests, villages and mountain trails at the heart of the experience.
The Rs 8 lakh prize purse will be awarded across six categories. The field spans generations: Shimla’s 11-year-old Kaarik Sharma is the youngest participant, while 68-year-old MaheshwarDutt is the oldest. Shimla fields 18 riders and Bengaluru six, with competitors also arriving from Jaipur, Delhi, Leh and Guwahati. Local talent and visiting contenders will race on the same demanding terrain, giving emerging riders valuable exposure to accomplished competitors.
Road safety is a central message alongside the competition. HASTPA and Royal Enfield Social Mission have joined hands as Partners for Safe Riding, drawing on the Helmets for India initiative. Ms MeharPanwar, ASP Shimla, Himachal Pradesh Police, specially joined the press conference to deliver her strong message on road safety and helmet use. She lauded the organisers for making responsible riding an integral part of the event alongside its sporting and fitness message.
Addressing the press conference, Ms MeharPanwar, ASP Shimla, said:
“Wear a helmet correctly on every ride, follow traffic rules and respect every road user. I commend HASTPA and the organisers for promoting road safety alongside sport and fitness. Such efforts can help build responsible habits, particularly among young riders. Every ride should end with a safe return home.”
Praveen from HARTEX was also present, representing the brand powering this year’s edition. The interaction brought together the sporting challenge and the wider responsibility shared by organisers, riders, industry and public institutions in building a stronger cycling culture.
For HASTPA, the ambition reaches beyond organising events. Its larger purpose is to change lives through cycling: opening opportunities for young people, nurturing sporting talent and helping communities benefit from cycling tourism. Since launching MTB Himalaya in 2005 and MTB Shimla in 2012, HASTPA has worked towards a lasting place for India on the world map of cycling tourism. This edition carries that purpose onto the trails, connecting competitive sport with safer riding and the discovery of the Himalayan outdoors.
The event is held in association with Himachal Tourism. Partners and supporters include Royal Enfield, Radkaat, Big FM, SJVN, AU Small Finance Bank, HPDT and Pranah.
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