Foothills MTB Challenge 2025: Photo Feature

Photo feature and race report from the Foothills MTB Challenge 2025 held in Uttarakhand from 12th to 14th April…

Foothills MTB Challenge 2025

The Himalayan foothills once again echoed with the whirr of mountain bike tyres and the roar of encouragement as the 3rd edition of the Foothills MTB Challenge wrapped up this weekend. Organized by adventure sports promoter AdvenThrill, the event was held from April 12th to 14th and saw some fine mountain bikers battle it out on tough, technical trails.

What makes this race special isn’t just the adrenaline or the altitude—it’s the memory it rides on. Held in tribute to Late Master Tanishk Chaudhary, a rising star in Indian cycling who tragically lost his life during training due to a drunk driving incident, the event serves as a poignant reminder of both the fragility and fierce spirit of life on two wheels. For many riders, this race isn’t just a competition; it’s a pilgrimage.

This year’s edition amped up the thrill factor with two demanding stages. Riders took on technical loops in the Sura Devi trails on Day 1, followed by a scenic but grueling cross-country ride from Musee Art Café to Sarona via Sahastradhara on Day 2. The routes were designed to challenge every aspect of a rider’s ability—from raw power and endurance to finesse on narrow singletrack and tricky descents.

Cyclists competed across various categories— Open, Junior, and Master’s—drawing participants from nearly every corner of India. The energy and camaraderie throughout the weekend was electric, amplified by the passionate organizing team led by Vijay Pratap Singh, along with Aryan Singh, Vinod Saklani, Kartikey, and several other dedicated volunteers.

Podium Results: Pedal Power at its Peak

In the overall classification, it was Ayush Negi who emerged victorious with a combined time of 2:25:54, followed by Sarthak Bisht at 2:28:14 and Ashwin Rauthan rounding out the podium at 2:38:31.

The age-wise results added more depth to the competition:

Under-18:
1. Ashwin Rauthan
2. Bhanu Payal
3. Sourish
18–36 Years:
1. Ayush Negi
2. Sarthak Bisht
3. Himanshu Dabral
36–45 Years:
1. Suraj Gaur
2. Kartik Singh Napalchyal
3. Nitin Kumar
45 & Above:
1. Rajan Gupta

More Than a Race

Beyond competition, the Foothills MTB Challenge has become a celebration of community and commitment. It fosters not only top-tier racing but also a message. One of road safety, youth encouragement, and love for the outdoors. AdvenThrill continues to champion eco-friendly adventure tourism while nurturing grassroots cycling talent in India.

As the event grows in stature each year, the memory of Tanishk Chaudhary remains the emotional heartbeat of this race. A reminder of the dreams that drive every pedal stroke. And the legacy that lives on in every rider who dares to take on the mountains.