Overview
- The race was flagged off on Friday, Oct 23, and opens with a prologue followed by two timed Cross‑Country Marathon (XCM) stages scheduled for Oct 24 and 25.
- Organisers say the route covers about 130 km with roughly 3,800 metres of climbing and nearly 90% off‑road terrain made up of single‑tracks, forest trails, rock gardens and stream crossings.
- Gravel bikes were permitted for the first time in this edition, altering equipment choices for riders on technical, high‑climb stages.
- More than 80 riders from around 20 cities are competing across six prize categories with a total purse of Rs 8 lakh, and the field ranges in age from an 11‑year‑old to a 68‑year‑old local entrant.
- HASTPA organised the event with visible government backing, as Chief Secretary KK Pant pledged support for cycling development and local police officers urged helmet use and responsible riding to link sport with tourism and safety goals.