SIKKIM: FOREST MINISTER FLAGS OFF EPIC 17K

The EPIC 17K, the Highest MTB 4 Day Stage Race in India was flagged off today by the Honourable Minister, Forests Env and Wildlife Management Department from Mangan today at 7:00 am. It is the Highest Mountain Biking stage race in the Country.the riders will start from an elevation of 3000ft and reach up to an altitude of 17800ft in the Himalayas where the oxygen levels are as low as 2% to 4%. A total of 66 athletes from various parts of the country and riders from Bhutan are competing in the event. Today the participants will be riding from Mangan to Lachung covering a total of 51 kms. The time for completion of the race is 7 hours.

Issac Rai stood first and completed the stage in 2:35:30 hrs while Shiven stood second having completed the stage in 2:42:10hrs. Innus Ali completed the stage in 2:45:21hrs and stood third.The participants will halt at Lachung today where there will be preparing for the next stage tomorrow.The EPIC 17K event is the first of the kind being organized by the District Administration in collaboration with Hub Outdoors and Mountain Goats . it is supported by Lachen Dzumsa Lachung Dzumsa. The Indian Army , ITBPF and IHCAE, Chemchey also supported the event by providing medical facilities and rescue operation for the riders.