More than 180 cyclists took part in the 11th edition of Dantak Mountain Bike Race yesterday. The event saw fierce competition across men’s and women’s categories, with winners taking home cash prizes and brand-new mountain bikes, gifted by His Majesty TheKing. His Royal Highness Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck flagged off the race from Changlingmithang yesterday morning.
59 cyclists competed in the 100-kilometre race, which took riders from Thimphu to Paro and back.
44-year-old Rinzin Chodra from Thimphu clinched first place in the men’s category, completing the race in just three hours and 31 seconds.
“Today, I am very excited to win this medal. For cycling, I didn’t do much. I trained for two weeks, and during those two weeks, I did a few short rides. I rode to Paro twice. But I do a lot of trail runs and go to the gym.”
In the women’s category, 28-year-old Chimi Dema from Punakha took first place. A regular participant since 2016, she has dominated the women’s race for years.
“I would like to thank Dantak and BOC for organising such a great event. I have been participating in the Dantak race since 2016, and I have been training for this race for a month. Winning is not easy, so to win the race, we have to train hard and sacrifice a lot. I would like to encourage more women to join the next race.”
Both winners received Nu 60,000 and mountain bikes. The second to fifth place finishers earned cash prizes ranging between Nu 40,000 to 10,000.
In the 65-kilometre race from Thimphu to Tachog Lhakhang and back, 124 cyclists participated.
17-year-old Robin Darjee from Dagana finished first in the men’s category, clocking 2 hours, 6 minutes, and 59 seconds.
“Today, I am very proud to get this position. In 2023, I completed the race in 3 hours. So this time, I have completed it very quickly and fast.”
In the women’s race, 51-year-old Lotay Zangmo from Paro claimed victory with a time of 2 hours, 34 minutes, and 21 seconds. She also received Nu 3,000 as the oldest participant in the category.
“I am very happy today. I practised a lot, and as a result, I am extremely proud of the outcome. We have to train consistently—if we train one day and skip the next, it doesn’t work. Daily training helps build stamina, brings improvement, and is truly necessary.”
Winners in the 65-kilometre category received Nu 35,000 each, while second to fifth place finishers were also awarded cash prizes.
Organisers also recognised the oldest and youngest male and female participants in both race categories with special cash prizes of Nu 5,000 and Nu 3,000.
This year’s youngest cyclist was 9-year-old Tsherab Jamyang Lingyel, a Class 4 student at Rinchen Kuenphel Primary School.
“I’m really happy to have this opportunity. Cycling helps keep our bodies fit. I used to train with my friends every Saturday and Sunday, and sometimes with my father.”
Riders who finished sixth to tenth received consolation prizes. All participants under the age of 13 also received special awards. Every cyclist who completed the race was honoured with medals and certificates for their dedication and performance.
The Dantak Mountain Bike Race branded as “Enduring Friendship Mountain Bike Challenge“ was first held in 2011 to mark 50 years of formal diplomatic ties between Bhutan and India. Since then, it has become an annual event.
Karma Wangdi
Edited by Kipchu
