Elite riders Khushiman Gharti, Usha Khanal win in Rupandehi
With elite riders leading the charge, Rupandehi’s first Mayor Cup XCO MTB Championship marks a milestone for mountain biking’s growth and recognition in the region.
8850 Media
The newly built bike trail at Buchi served as the site for the inaugural Mayor Cup National XCO MTB Championship in Charange, Rupandehi, highlighting the growing popularity of mountain biking in the region.
Organised by the Rupandehi District Cycling Association, the race brought together 60 cyclists competing in the elite men, elite women, juniors, and masters categories. Additionally, a separate three-lap race for local riders added a unique community touch to the event.
Men Elite
Khushiman Gharti of Kaski triumphed in the Men Elite competition, where competitors raced over eight laps of the 3.2 km trail. Gharti completed the course in 1 hour, 16 minutes, and 45 seconds to claim the winner’s medal and a top prize of Rs. 50,000 NPR. Suraj Rana Magar of Sindhupalchok took second place with a time of 1:21:57, earning Rs. 25,000, while Kathmandu’s Achyut Krishna Kharel secured third with 1:27:05, taking home Rs. 10,000.
Women Elite
In the Women Elite race, Usha Khanal from Lalitpur secured victory after completing six laps in 1:11:37, earning the winner’s medal and the accompanying cash prize. Laxmi Magar from Nuwakot finished close behind in second place with a time of 1:12:49, while Indra Kumari Tamang of Dharan claimed third in 1:57:47.
Junior
Udaypur’s Nima Sherpa dominated the Junior category, completing six laps in 1:06:11 to win Rs. 10,000. Drishya Raj Panthi from Kaski finished second with a time of 1:12:00, earning Rs. 7,000, and Nischal Nepali from Rupandehi completed the podium in 1:14:00, receiving Rs. 3,000.
Masters
Harka Lama from Sindhupalchok claimed a comfortable victory in the Masters category, completing the six-lap course in 1:07:49 to earn Rs. 25,000. Gulmi’s Chandra Bahadur crossed the finish line in 1:16:48 for second place and Rs. 10,000, while Dev Bahadur Bohora from Banke secured third place in 1:16:58, taking home Rs. 5,000.
Meanwhile, the three-lap race for local Rupandehi riders brought pride and excitement to the community. Niraj Chaudari won the contest in 39 minutes and 59 seconds, pocketing Rs. 10,000. Shuv Sakham Palunge finished second in 42 minutes and 11 seconds, earning Rs. 7,000, while third-placed Astif Shah completed the course in 42:59 to win Rs. 3,000.
Race Director Pukar Thapa praised the event’s success. “With the electrifying competition and the breathtaking backdrop of Charange, we’ve truly showcased the immense potential of Nepal’s cycling community.”
He added: “This inaugural Mayor Cup was a celebration of the growing passion for mountain biking in the region. It highlights the relentless efforts of the Rupandehi District Cycling Association in promoting the sport.”
This report was contributed by Drishya Raj Panthi, who finished second in the Junior category.
