Himachal: HASTPA launches India’s first-ever international mountain cycling racing team

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], August 17 (ANI): The Himalayan Adventure Sports and Tourism Promotion Association (HASTPA) made a historic leap in Indian sports on Saturday after they launched the country’s first-ever international mountain biking(MTB) and cycling racing four-member team in Shimla.

Speaking to the reporters, Mohit Sood, President of HASTPA claimed that this team would be the first in India and expressed immense pride in announcing the creation of the Scott Racing Team, India’s inaugural international MTB team.

“HASTPA is proud to announce the launch of India’s first-ever Scott racing team, which is a groundbreaking moment for Indian cycling sport. The team has been officially unveiled today here in the state capital of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla,” Sood said.

He further elaborated on the vision and aspirations of the newly formed team. “This is a historic moment,” he emphasized, on “exploring the exciting future of Indian Cycling and MTB.”

The launch of the team signifies not just a milestone in Indian sports but also a step forward in elevating India’s presence on the global mountain biking stage.

HASTPA has been at the forefront of promoting eco-tourism and sustainable livelihoods in Himachal Pradesh through cycling activities.

“We are Himalayan Adventure Sports & Tourism Promotion Association, a registered Society under the Society’s Act of 1860, working in Himachal Pradesh towards the advocacy of cycling as an activity to promote Eco-Tourism and develop sustainable livelihoods for the native population of Himachal Pradesh by promoting these activities,” said Sood.

HASTPA has made noteworthy contributions to sports and has successfully organised India’s premier mountain biking race, MTB Himalaya, for over a decade.

“We have been involved in conceptualising and have successfully organised India’s premier mountain biking race, MTB Himalaya, for the past eleven years in Himachal Pradesh to showcase the wealth of natural trails in Himachal,” Sood added.

Sood said that the introduction of an international racing team is expected to further enhance Himachal Pradesh’s reputation as a global mountain biking destination.

“Himachal Pradesh possesses the mountain biking community from around the world and is in the process of developing a model to promote cycling tourism in Himachal Pradesh,” added Sood.

The initiative has been realised in collaboration with SCOTT Sports, a leading name in high-performance cycling and sports equipment.

“This has been done in collaboration with SCOTT Sports, which is a leader in developing and manufacturing high-end performance products for cycling, motorsports, running, and winter sports. Innovation, technology, and design are the essence behind all SCOTT products and the vision of our engineers and designers,” Sood explained.

SCOTT Sports is renowned for its wide range of products, from mountain bikes to road bikes, electric bikes, gravel or cyclocross bikes, city bikes, and trekking bikes. “We cover pretty much everything you can dream of when it comes to cycling,” Sood concluded, highlighting the comprehensive nature of SCOTT’s offerings.

With the launch of India’s first international mountain biking and cycling racing team, HASTPA has set the stage for a new era in Indian sports, promising an exciting journey ahead for cycling enthusiasts in the country.