The second annual Epic 17K mountain bike race is set to take place in India’s Sikkim state June 26 – 29. Race promoters claim the Epic 17K is the highest mountain bike race in the world, with riders topping out as high as 17,800ft. above sea level.
The four day, four stage race covers a total of 330km (205mi) and the route is designed to be progressively more challenging each day. The sheer difficulty of this race makes it exclusive, but not only that, the race is only open to residents of neighboring Indian states and nearby countries including Bhutan and Nepal. Last year, only residents of Sikkim were able to participate in the inaugural race.
Organizers hope the race will generate interest in local tourism as the race gains more exposure and is potentially opened up to more international riders.
