UKHRUL: Cory Wallace, the Canadian endurance cyclist and former 24 Hr World Champion, clinched a historic victory at the MTB Northeast International Challenge 2025, widely acclaimed as the world’s longest and toughest one-day mountain biking race, by clocking a new world record of 12 hours, 29 minutes and 55 seconds.
The gruelling race commenced from Dirak Gate in Namsai, Arunachal Pradesh at midnight on December 30 and covered an extreme 303-kilometre route from Namsai to Kaho, the first village of India, pushing riders to the limits of physical endurance and mental resilience.
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Wallace delivered a masterclass in stamina and race strategy to defeat Manmohan Singh of team Army Adventure Wings (AAW/INDIA) who secured the first runners-up position, while Raman Manhas, also representing the Indian Army, finished as second runners-up.
In the Men’s Elite 150 km category, Akshay Kumar from AAW, India emerged victorious, followed by Achyut K from Nepal as first runners-up and Ananda Jana as second runners-up.
The Junior Boys (Under-18) category saw Dekkar Lendo from Arunachal Pradesh claim the title, while Sawgat Achhimi from Nepal and Kevin Lyngdoh from Meghalaya finished as the first runners-up and second runners-up, respectively.
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In the Women’s Elite category, Nane Mega from Roing, Arunachal Pradesh, clinched the top honour, while Kasturee Doley from Assam finished as first runners-up.
The Masters 35+ category was won by Krashanvendra Singh Yadav from Indian Military Academy, followed by Joseng Marak from Meghalaya as first runners-up and Pratap Singh Rawat from as second runners-up.
In the Non-MTB 150 km (Female) category, Usha Khanal from Nepal emerged winner, underlining the strong international presence at the event.
According to Race director Ijum Gadi, the race started at 1.30 AM from Dirak Gate, Namsai and out of 53 cyclists only four riders could conquer the mammoth 5th edition of MTB Northeast International Challenge. Cyclists from 15 states and three countries showed up for the event, he informed.
With the untiring and sleepless nights efforts of 30 officials, 75 Volunteers, 12 Marshalls including medical teams from district administration and the Indian Army made the event a thumping success, the race director added.
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Arunachal Pradesh Sports & Youth Affairs Minister Kento Jini, attending as the Chief Guest, inaugurated the event while THDC India Limited head of project Prem Singh Rawat was the Guest of Honour. The closing ceremony was graced by state Minister for Women & Child Development, Dasanglu Pul, as Chief Guest, with Millo Kojin, Deputy Commissioner, Anjaw, attending as Guest of Honour.
With its punishing 301-km route, elite international participation and scenic yet unforgiving terrain, the MTB Northeast International Challenge 2025 once again placed Arunachal Pradesh firmly on the global map of endurance mountain biking and adventure sports.