The 90-kilometres Dantak Open Mountain Bike race, held today, saw 121 bikers take part. It was flagged off by Her Royal Highness, Princess Sonam Dechan Wangchuck, in the capital.
The race began from Changlimithang. The bikers had to ride to Bondey in Paro and back. The race saw 14 female cyclists. The youngest participant was 13 and the oldest 57.
Just two and a half hours after the race was flagged off, Tom Horniblow from Australia crossed the finish line first. Tom is a volunteer teacher with the Australian Volunteers Initiative for Development. He was awarded cash prize of Nu. 50,000.
Just a minute behind Tom was Sonam, the last year’s winner. He won Nu. 30,000.
Jigme Tenzin came third, again a minute behind Sonam, who took home Nu.10, 000.
Reika Yoshii from Japan dominated other women participants completing the race in three hours and five minutes. She was the winner of the International Marathon in Punakha as well. The 26-year-old teacher took home a cash prize of Nu.40,000.
Emi Tsukamoto also from Japan came second by finishing the race in three hours and 36 minutes winning a cash of Nu.20, 000.
Yeshey Dema came third. She received Nu.10,000 after touching the finishing line in three hours and 40 minutes.
The event was organized as part of DANTAK’s 53rd raising Day celebrations.
