Participants at the mountain cycling competition. Kalpetta: ‘MTB Kerala’, the two-day international mountain cycling competition began at the Priyadarshini Estate premises near Mananthavadi, Wayanad on Friday.

The event is organised by the Kerala Adventure Tourism Promotion Society, District Tourism Promo-tion Council and Cycle Federation of India.

The International Moun-tain Cycling Championship was organised for the fifth time in the state. Two cyclists each from nine countries will participate in the cycling competition, the organisers said in a press release.

This year women participants also would be there in the competitions. The trial run was conducted on Friday. O.R. Kelu, MLA will inaugurate the competitions on Saturday.

Minister for sports Kadakampally Surendran will inaugurate the valedictory function. The tourism department has sanctioned Rs 60 lakh for the event, Mananthavadi sub collector N.S.K. Umesh said.

Adventure aficionados across the globe have already geared up for an adventure ride in Wayanad.

The success of the previous year’s Mountain Biking has triggered a great deal of enthusiasm.

An initiative of the Department of Tourism, MTB Kerala was the first of its kind in the state when it was announced six years ago.

Today, this mountain cycling challenge has proved its stature, marked by loads of thrill and fun, the organisers said.

By holding the event India becomes the fourth Asian country to conduct an International Mountain Bike Competition.

The Second International Mountain Cycling Chall-enge (MTB Kerala 2014) was held in February 15th 2014 at Pozhuthana, Waya-nad.

The Third Edition of MTB Kerala (MTB Kerala 2015) was also held in April 18, 2015 at Priyadarshini Tea Estate, Mananthavady, Wayanad. The Fourth Edition - MTB Kerala 2016, was held on 15th and 16th of February 2016 at Pankavu, Kottoor, Trivandrum.

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