Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], The 11th edition of the annual MTB (mountain biking) cycling event began on Friday with around 14 bikers taking part to overcome the challenging 140 km downhill and uphill route. The participants came from many different countries and 45 different cities in India. The participants came from countries like Portugal, Nepal, Spain and Italy. This program has been inaugurated to encourage people to take up cycling and preserve Himalayan adventure sports and tourism. Himalayan Adventure Sports and Tourism Promotion Association has been organizing MTB Himachal Cycling for more than 18 years, but the Queen of Hills Shimla MTB Cycling event is being organized here for the 11th time.Women's participation is also seen in this. "I wasn't expecting anything like this; it's so beautiful, the scenery, the pine trees, the birds and then of course the people coming here from all over the world. It's very exciting; a lot of energy, vibrancy. I, it's not about the race, it's about nature and riding in the woods. I never thought India would come to this level in mountain biking.I can see what the future holds, a place that will attract people from all over the world to visit, this is just the beginning,” said one of the participants. International participants are coming to be a part of this race. "I have just come, there is a positive atmosphere here. I liked it very much. I have been to Shimla many times; I like this place very much.I am riding here for the first time. It is growing here; Politicians and officials should make rules and more people should cycle because bikers are nature-lovers. I am very excited about the race and I am cycling in the Himalayas for the first time, and it is a good challenge. “I am happy about it,” said Nalini, a female participant. “I have been riding for four-five years; I have been participating in MT for the last three years.I am last year's champion. This year it is challenging as we have 140 riders from 45 cities across the country. There are about 400 to 500 riders, and there is no pollution; It is also good for fitness and you can stay away from drugs," said Rajveer, a local rider. Organizers of the event are happy with the number of participants increasing every year. "This is the 11th edition of MTB Shimla and it Continuing for the 11th consecutive year.We're starting with the introduction. It is a three-day race. There will be competitive racing in the next two days. We have 140 participants, the highest ever from Indian cities. To date, no one from 1 state has competed in mountain biking events.We have conducted qualifying rounds in 11 Indian cities; What we have done is Firefox. We want to showcase the scenic route through this event. We have five countries including Portugal, India, Nepal and Italy, we have hills, and it becomes our right to take this program forward,” said Ashish, an organizer.