As he approaches his 28th birthday, Philip Fagerberg, an accomplished mountain biker from Huskvarna, Sweden, is getting ready for the adventure of a lifetime. “Turning 28 on the 28th of November makes this year’s birthday extra special, and celebrating it with the Pokhara Enduro will be unforgettable,” he shares.

Last year, after three years of preparation, Pokhara – the adventure capital of Nepal – hosted the first international enduro race outside Kathmandu. The inaugural event featured 56 riders from 11 countries in races across seven categories. This year’s event, scheduled for November 27-29, promises an even larger turnout. The organisers expect around 100 riders from over 15 countries.

Fagerberg, who owns and operates Ride and Develop, a company dedicated to building MTB trails, coaching riders, and organising entry-level series in enduro and downhill, is no stranger to the international biking scene. But his upcoming trip to Nepal marks a new chapter in his journey.

“It’ll be my first trip to Nepal! I’ve travelled to many countries with my bike in the past, and I’m really excited to finally visit Nepal,” he says enthusiastically.

Fagerberg, who will be accompanied by his girlfriend Stina, and possibly some friends, is not just racing but also planning to immerse himself in the unique Himalayan landscape. The majestic silhouettes of the Himalayas, with their snow-capped peaks reaching for the sky, stand as silent witnesses to his relentless pursuit of adventure.

This Himalayan adventure is more than just a race; it’s a celebration of new experiences, personal milestones, and the boundless passion that propels him forward. Every pedal stroke through the rugged terrain defies the ordinary, creating a symphony of determination echoing through the valleys and peaks.

“A friend of mine told me about the Pokhara Enduro, and the idea of racing in a country so far from home surrounded by giant mountains sounded like nothing but good times. So I signed up right away,” he explains.

He will be competing for top honours in the Elite Male category. Other top riders who have confirmed their participation include defending champion Rama Teguh Ady Pratama of Indonesia, last year’s runner-up Christopher Ashok Keeling and Vijon Rana, both from the UK, Gabriel Amigo III of the Philippines, and Harsha Kariyapperuma of Sri Lanka.

Fagerberg is eager to experience these new conditions. “I’m hoping to improve my chances leading up to the series finale later this year in Nepal,” he mentions, eyeing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Looking back on his past seasons, Fagerberg proudly recalls his achievements. In the 2023 season, he managed to secure two top-50 overall results in the UCI Enduro World Cup.

“At the last World Cup of 2023 in Châtel, France, I came in 47th place, with a career-best 34th stage result and a few more stages in the top 40,” he says. “And to top it off, I scored the last step on the podium at the national champs last year after a tough day battling it out with some incredibly fast riders.”

For 2024, Fagerberg is taking a new approach. This year, he longs for the unknown, the unexplored paths that promise discovery and excitement. “Instead of focusing on a specific series, I’m choosing events in places I’ve never been to that feel thrilling and adventurous,” he states, emphasising his desire to explore and experience diverse riding conditions.

In addition, he is dedicating more time to developing the Swedish riding scene and mentoring the next generation of enduro racers. “I’ve absolutely loved riding my GasGas e-bike lately, but for the Pokhara Enduro, I’ll be racing in the regular category!” he adds.

With the Pokhara Enduro just around the bend, Fagerberg’s spirit of adventure and dedication to his sport shine brightly.