Press Release

The 2 nd edition of the exacting competition kickstarts in November, covering a distance of 650 kms in just 8 days

Mumbai, September 27, 2018: India’s prestigious and internationally acclaimed bike racing competition - Dalmia MTB Arunachal Hornbill's Flight International Race 2018 - will be kickstarted in Arunachal Pradesh in less than two months. In the run up to the competition, Bollywood actor and youth icon Salman Khan championed the race at a ‘Curtain Raiser’ event in Mumbai today. Unveiling the Official Race Jersey 2018, Salman Khan called upon the youth of the country to take up Mountain Biking as a sport and as a means to improve their fitness levels.

The second edition of the Dalmia MTB Arunachal Hornbill's Flight International Race 2018 will be held from November 14, 2018 to November 22, 2018. The race will commence from the state capital of Arunachal Pradesh, Itanagar, and will end at Menchuka.

Kiren Rijiju, Hon'ble Union Minister for State Home Affairs, the man behind MTB said, “This racing event is very close to my heart as it provides a platform to showcase the talent of our youth when competing with bikers from other countries. We already have global participation for the race and soon aim to make it an international phenomenon. For this, we welcome support from corporates and youth so that we can make it a big success.”

The competition will witness as many as 100 cyclists from over 10 countries vying for a prize money of Rs. 22.5 lakhs. The race, with an elevation gain of 1,12,000 feet, is touted to be the toughest race in the world.

Mr. Pasang Dorjee Sona, MLA and President, MTB Arunachal said, “We are thrilled as the race has established Arunachal Pradesh as an adventurous tourist destination. Participants of national as well as
international level come forward to take part in this one of its kind race. Arunachal Pradesh is known for its most challenging yet beautiful terrain that’s perfect for this kind of competition. We promise that this year’s MTB will be an exciting experience for the participants and a treat for the spectators.”

Dalmia Bharat Group, a leading national player in India’s core manufacturing sector, has been spearheading the cause of building India and empowering youth through its active sports associations and various youth-oriented initiatives.

Mr. Mahendra Singh, Group CEO, Dalmia Bharat Ltd., said, “Sports has always been an area of interest for us. We are extremely proud to be associated with an event that runs across borders and encourages the youth to push their limits. By partnering with MTB, we are doing our bit to reach out to youth even in far flung regions and getting them to showcase their talent.”

Mr. Rajesh Thakur, Director, MTB, Arunachal said, “I thank Dalmia Bharat Group for its commitment to this cause. This is only the second edition of the race and we are seeing a lot of interest to participate from dedicated cyclists in India and across the world. We would like more corporates to come forward in the coming days to make this competition really memorable and remarkable.”

This year, well-known international cyclists like Ilda from Portugal, Celia from Canada, Sarah, Heidi and Lauri from the USA, Andrew Seawald, Thomas Bush, Sarah, Frank and Holger from Germany, Catherine from UK, the Indian teams from the Army, SSB, Navy, Hero Action Team, Nepal Army and APF Teams, Bhutan Royal Army Team and others will participate and make the event extremely competitive and exciting. NEED TO KNOW HOW MANY PARTICIPANTS FROM INDIA. The race will be followed by an adventure festival at Mechuka for three days, from November 23 to November 25.

With a cause to promote tourism in the state of Arunachal Pradesh and positioning Indian on the world map for bike racing, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Government of India Shri Kiren Rijiju conceptualized MTB Arunachal in 2017 as an international bike racing platform.

About MTB Arunachal

The MTB Arunachal is a mountain bike race held in Arunachal Pradesh which holds the distinction of being the northeastern-most state of the country. Being the first ever International MTB Race in the North East India it covers about 650 kms in 8 days starting from the Itanagar till Menchuka. The race is a non-profit venture and the brain child of Sh. Kiren Rijiju, Hon'ble Union Minister for State Home Affairs.