Bhutan’s Pelden Wangchuk Wins 10th Edition Of Tour 0f Dragon Mountain Bike Race
This year, the race also saw the highest number of female participants compared to past years.
(Source: BBS)
By Samten Dolkar | BBS
Completing the 268 km event in 10 hours, 45 minutes and 53 seconds on Saturday, 7 Sept 2019, Pelden Wangchuk, 20 from Bhutan, won the 10th Edition of the Tour of Dragon Mountain Bike Race.
Scenic route of the Tour of Dragon Mountain Bike Race
Regarded as one of the most gruelling in the world, the race takes the participants across 4 mountain passes, all the way from Bumthang to the capital, Thimphu.
Cyclists will pass through the stunning rural countryside and villages of this tiny Himalayan Kingdom, sometimes known as the ‘Last Shangri La’.
The race is a great chance to discover the geographical and cultural wonders of Bhutan.
Source: Facebook/Tourism Council of Bhutan/Justin Bastien
Flagged off at 2 am from Bumthang, this year’s race saw 53 cyclists, including five female participants.
Tom Schofield, the runner up in the race completed the event in 10 hours, 51 minutes and 28 seconds. The third position was bagged by Sherab Gyeltshen.
More women took part this year
In the female category, Lois Olney, a 55-year-old woman came in first followed by Chimi Dema.
Photo: BBS
According to the Bhutan Olympic Committee, Chimi is the first Bhutanese woman to complete in the Tour of Dragon’s race so far.
This year, the race also saw the highest number of female participants compared to past years.
5th Edition of the Dragon’s Fury
Meanwhile in the 5th Edition of the Dragon’s Fury, a 60 km race from Punakha to Thimphu saw a new category this year - the Masters Men 50+.
Photo: Facebook/Prime Minister's Office - PMO, Bhutan
In this category, Nim Gyeltshen, a 63-year-old man came in first followed by Tshumba Dukpa.
The third position was bagged by Bhutan's Prime Minister Dr. Lotay Tshering. He completed the race in 4 hours 37 minutes and 35 seconds.
This article first appeared in BBS and has been edited for Daily Bhutan.
