Hercules MTB biking event kicks off today

Nine-day-long Hercules MTB Himachal-2011 — claimed to be the world’s most challenging mountain biking event — is set to be flagged off in Himachal Pradesh with 120 participants from across India and half-a-dozen foreign countries hitting the road on Saturday.

While travelling the distance of 504 km,the bikers will touch the highest Hatu peak (3,130 m) and explore the 1,000-year-old civilization at village Kullu Sarahan in Kullu district.

Mohit Sood,the event’s chief organiser told mediapersons that some of the top international riders and the winner of the last year’s challenge — Ajay Pandit Chhetri. He had also won the Trans Wales Challenge,2011.

Already,a tie-up has been put in place with a airline company to keep choppers on stand by for emergencies.

All hospitals along the track have been alerted.