HÀ NỘI — Participants from 22 countries have signed up for the three-day Việt Nam Mountain Bike Marathon which is set to take place on November 4-6 in the mountains surrounding Sapa in Lào Cai Province.

The route covers large parts of remote mountainous terrain meaning competitors will see parts of the region normally out of reach. 

One day one, contestants will race 50km north of Sapa to an area populated largely by Mông people. The 68km stage two heads to the southern area populated by the Tày and Red Dao people. The race then concludes with a shorter stage around Sapa town through black Mông villages.

David Lloyd, one of the race directors, said: “We have spent countless hours as a team out in the mountains seeking out great trails for people to race on. The result is a hard, but extremely beautiful race that is born in our collective passion for Việt Nam and riding bikes. We are now very excited to welcome the international riders and showing them what Việt Nam has to offer.”

While the organisers are expecting to welcome some high level riders aiming for podium spots, they say that simply finishing all tough days will be a victory for many contestants.

This is the first edition organised by Topas Travel and no other race has ever taken place here, so riders will need plenty of adventurous spirit.

For more information on the race visit www.vietnammountainbikemarathon.com. — VNS