Dehradun – The second edition of MTB Maldevta 2025 concluded with high energy and fierce competition, as nearly 300 riders from across the country battled for glory in the scenic trails of Maldevta. The two-day event brought together cycling enthusiasts, cultural performances, and cheering crowds, making it a festival of both sport and spirit.
The final day began at 6:00 AM with a lively Zumba warm-up, followed by staggered flag-offs for different categories at 6:30 AM. Riders faced a demanding route that opened with a short road stretch, followed by a grueling 3–5 km uphill climb. Sharp descents and tight trails tested stamina, technical skill, and focus, ensuring only the strongest emerged victorious.
Chief Guest Umesh Sharma (MLA, Raipur) encouraged young participants, while Acharya Arun Tejaswi (President, Narayani Sena, Saharanpur) reminded riders not to lose heart if they fell short, urging them to return stronger in the next edition. Local leaders including Asthal Pradhan Jaideep, Block Pramukh Soban Singh, and Kisan Singh Negi also attended to motivate the cyclists.
Category-wise results brought standout performances:
| Category | 1st Place | 2nd Place | 3rd Place |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under-14 | Bhavesh Mehra | Swastik Sharma | Shourya Rawat |
| Under-16 | Ashutosh Shukla | Punit Thakur | Ishant Adhikari |
| Under-18 | Ashwin Rauthan | Rajwan | Mayank |
| Under-23 | Sarthak Bisht | Shivesh | Himanshu Dabral |
| Elite | Shiven | Ronel | Ayush Negi |
| Senior | Akshay | Kulwinder Ojla | Ashish Sharma |
| Masters | Anil Gurung | Arun Kumar | Sohan Rawat |
| Women | Star Narzy | Avni Dariyal | Pavitra |
In the Elite category, India’s international rider Shiven outpaced rivals to secure the top spot, while Star Narzy clinched first place in the Women’s division. Dehradun’s own Ashwin Rauthan (Under-18) and Sarthak Bisht (Under-23) also made the city proud with their victories.
The closing ceremony turned festive with the Sundriyal Brothers’ traditional Dhol-Damau rhythms and folk performances, followed by singer Naveen Dhyani’s soulful numbers. Winners were felicitated on stage with the symbolic Pahadi Topi, receiving applause from participants and spectators alike.
Organizer Neeraj Bhandari summed up the event: “MTB Maldevta is not just a race—it is an effort to nurture a cycling culture, inspire youth, and promote cycling as a way of life.”
