We wrote about the Khanchendzonga Mountain Bike Challenge back in January because it sounded like an interesting multi-day race through the Indian Himilayas. Apparently the race wrapped up a few days ago but the winners are miffed because they found out the promised prize money was cut in half, in some cases barely covering the race entry fees.
American Harlan Pryce, the winner of the 2 week race, said “We will never come back to Sikkim, we have been very badly cheated as the prize money promised to us were not given.” Ouch. Racers also complained that some of the race stops didn’t even have water or toilets – not all that surprising given the third world location but disappointing for those who paid $500 just to enter the race.
Things don’t look good for the Khanchendzonga Mountain Bike Challenge coming back next year – if it does, be prepared to rough it and don’t expect to receive all your prize money 🙂 Mountain biking racing is all about the glory anyway.
