A three-day international mountain bike race "Tour of the Karakurams" will be held in Kaghan from September 1-3, to revitalise tourism in the earthquake's affected areas.
The race will be held from Babusar pass to Balakot and it is being organised by the Kaghan Memorial Trust (KMT), a local NGO, in close collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism.
Addressing a press conference, Nilofar Bakhtiar, Federal Minister for Tourism said that as many as 36 international cyclists including two Pakistanis had confirmed their participation in the race.
She said that Tim Vincent, World Mountain Bike Champion has also confirmed his participation. In addition to the world champion, the competing riders include four national champions and two national record holders.
The other participating riders represent Germany, New Zealand, Netherlands, England, Republic of Ireland, Scotland, China, Poland, Canada, United States of America and Australia.
The minister said that primary objective of organising the race is to raise funds for the Kaghan Memorial School Project besides other objectives like attracting tourists to the Kaghan valley almost one year after the devastating earthquake of October 8.
The 3-day race will be sponsored by the Government of Punjab, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGC), Tineli Performance Bikewear (Switzerland), Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), Synergy Computers (Pvt) Ltd, the Tehsil Administration of Balakot and Pakistan Sports Trust (PST). Registration fee for the tour is Rs 15,000 per entry. This amount covers four-day camp accommodation, meal and transportation during the event.