Govt. Sanctions Rs 75 lakhs for MTB Kerala 2025

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:
The Kerala Government has sanctioned Rs 75 lakhs for organising the seventh edition of the International Mountain Biking Challenge (MTB Kerala 2025), which has put Kerala on the global map of mountain biking competitions.

The MTB Kerala, promoted by the State Tourism Department, will be held at the Priyadarshini Tea Plantation in Mananthavady. Indian and foreign cycling stars will participate in the championship.

The amount has been sanctioned for the championship, including the stars’ travel expenses, accommodation, prize money, and other expenses.

The Kerala Adventure Tourism Promotion Society (KATPS) and Wayanad District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) are organising the championship in collaboration with the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and the Cycling Federation of India (CFI).

“Adventure tourism is drawing much attention globally,” Tourism and Public Works Minister PA Mohamed Riyas said. “Kerala has excellent potential to emerge as a destination for adventure sports.”

The five-kilometre track where the MTB Kerala competition is held is at an altitude of 3,000 feet.

The championship’s main attraction is the cross-country competition section, which covers terrains such as mud, rocks, and water. Cyclists from many foreign countries are expected to participate in the tournament.

In addition, amateur competitions for Indian cyclists will be organised. The winners of this race will compete with foreign players in the MTB Kerala International Competition.

MTB Kerala has also been included in the calendar of Union Cycliste Internationale, the Switzerland-based world governing body for sports cycling.

The competition categories are International Cross Country XCO (Elite Men), National Cross Country XCO (Elite Men), National Cross Country XCO (Elite Women), Intermediate Cross Country XCO (Elite Men), and Intermediate Cross Country XCO (Elite Women).