Kathmandu, December 6

Paryatan Khelkud Rupantaran is set to organise the first Budhanilkantha MTB Cross Country Cycling Race here in Chunikhel on December 10.

A total of 200 riders, including 15 foreigners, will take part in different six categories of the competition, informed the organisers at a press meet today. The organisers have expected around 50 professional riders in the elite section. The tournament also features U-19, U-23, Above-30, Above-40 and Above 60 categories. The elite section riders will have to cover five laps of 6.2km track, while it’s three laps for other riders.

Top three riders in both men and women sections of elite category will bag Rs 15,000, Rs 10,000 and Rs 5,000 respectively, while winners of the other categories will get gift hampers.

Paryatan Khelkud Rupantaran’s member Sanjay Luitel informed that estimated budget of the tournament is Rs 800,000. The event is supported by Budhanilkantha Municipality and Nepal Tourism Board. “It is easier to reach Budhanilkantha compared to other areas of the valley and it can be developed for cycling and promoted for tourism,” said Bishworaj Maraseni, Executive Officer of Budhanilkantha Municipality.