Applications for the Lanna International Mountain Bike 2016 event are now open to all riders. Scheduled for the third and fourth weekends of June, the cross-country competition will be a great test of participants’ skill, stamina and determination.
The full programme consists of four stages. Stage 1 (42km) will take place on June 18, starting from the Khruba Si Vichai Statue in Li, Lamphun. Stage 2 (43km) will be held the following day within Mae Ping National Park, also in the same district.
After a week of rest, and ride strategy planning, racers will compete in Stage 3 (40km) on June 25. This time the venue will be moved to Chiang Mai. The starting point is at Suan Son Kaew Wannaram in Hot. On Sunday, Stage 4 (41km) will take place further west in Mae Sariang, Mae Hong Son.
Participating riders will be divided into age groups. There will be nine categories for males, ranging from one for those under 18, to one for those over 60 and six more for those in between. As for female riders, due to their small number, there will be only three categories: under 18, open (all age) and 35-up.
Winners will be decided from their total race time from the two weekends of racing: 1 and 2 on June 18-19, or 3 and 4 on June 25-26. That means participants are not required to attend both weekends. Top rider and four runners-up in each category will be awarded trophies and cash prizes.
— Pongpet Mekloy
This source first appeared on Bangkok Post Lifestyle.