Over 100 bikers, from six countries and 15 Indian cities, will motivate voters in Himachal Pradesh during the three-day Eighth Hero MTB Shimla 2019 commencing on Friday.
The bikers will display banners and posters of the Election Commission that carry an appeal to vote on May 19 for the Lok Sabha elections.
Cyclists from India, Nepal, Britain, Japan, Germany and Colombia are participating in the 110-km race.
Besides the 110 km competitive race, a stretch of 25 km from Shimla to Kufri has been dedicated for the SVEEP (Systematic Voters Education and Electoral Participation) in collaboration with the district authorities to encourage locals to vote for a better India.
There would be 47 riders in men's solo category, five in women's solo, 19 in masters' solo, 11 in student and 20 in team-of-two category. The youngest rider is 14 years old while the oldest is 55 years.
Last year's winners, David Kumar, Ashish Sherpa, Akash Sherpa and Akshit Gaur, all part of the Hero Action Team, will be defending their titles this year.
The highest point of the race is at 2,450m and the lowest point 1,150m.
Total prize money announced by the race organisers is Rs 3.5 lakh. The overall race winner will be awarded with Rs 25,000, in addition to category prizes of up to Rs 30,000.
The ceremonial flag off for the race will be held on Friday at the historic Ridge Maidan. The flag off will be done by athletes of the Special Olympics Team.
