Endurance MTB Race in the Himalaya's

March 14th, 2013 3:49pm

The World’s Highest Elevation Endurance Race

It’s new on the radar of endurance adventure racers, so new in fact many have never heard of it, but it is billing itself as the World’s Highest Elevation Stage Race. And since it’s run in the Himalaya’s I am going to believe them. The promoters of MTB Spiti race say the race elevation averages 12,000 ft. reaching a maximum altitude of 15,000. Rarified air for sure. That’s higher than almost any race elevation on its biggest days. Only some passes in select Colorado races can be mentioned in the same breath – once you catch it.

But to endurance junkies, the chance to ride / race the ancient trade route between Tibet and China should hold more than enough lure to sign up. You’re going to see thousand year old monasteries, prayer flags, a high altitude lake that goes by the name of “Chandratal”, meaning “Lake of the Moon”, on this moonscape ride.

While we have written about many of the “popular” endurance races around the world the MTB Spiti would definitely have to rank as epic if not only for the remote location. If remote is a word that gets your heart rate going then you will be thrilled to know that " SPITI" actually translates to “middle country”.

Details – Give Me the Details

Distance Covered: 550 kms
Days Riding: 10 days of riding
Race Date: July 13-24th
Registration and Event Details: MTB SPITI
Elevation Gain: 9,000+ meters (27,000+ ft. to us Yanks)
Max Elevation: 2 Himalayan Passes as high as 4551 meters above sea level

Categories

There are four categories in MTB SPITI 2013.

Open Men Solo
Open Women Solo
Open Masters Solo (age 40 and above)
Team of two

Now, if in the back of your head you are thinking, I want to do that, then you better MOVE fast and register because there are only 50 spots for this event.

While this event is new, don’t let that deter you seasoned riders from thinking it will be roughly thrown together. The event promoters have been putting on the MTB Himalaya race for several years and should have the event sorted out nicely.

Here is a link to all the race and registration info you as well as two videos to give you an idea of your next adventure looks like.

2013 Race Teaser

2012 MTB Himalaya Adventure Race