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Summary At least 50 cyclists from 11 countries took part in first round of International Mountain Bike race.
As many as 50 International cyclists from 11 different countries taking part in the TC KP Tour of the Himalayas (TOH) International Mountain Bike race, which got under way from the first stage of the three prominent sites of the Kaghan Valley termed their tour for cause and did not afraid of terrorism as portrayed by the international media about scenic Pakistan, the home Himalayas.Talking to mediamen, the men and women cyclists have shown much enthusiasm well before the team media briefing.Ms Ranhilde Luttenberg (Holland), the national champion of Holland and position holder of Kellerwald Bike Marathon, Germany said that she was total surprised the way the people of Pakistan showed their love. She said the scenic Pakistan in the north, it beautiful sites really turned otherwise what the media portrayed. “It is a totally different Pakistan and love to visit again. I feel proud among them and for a cause,” she added.The Great Britain team also termed the visit a memorable one. “As cyclists we competed in all most all countries including the United States but we enjoyed to be her in the scenic Pakistan and the home of beautiful landscape, Ms. Rickie Cotter said. “Our friends feed us with different stories, but we are here for a cause and we love to be her among the most hospitable people of Pakistan”.Taryn Laurie of South Africa is looking forward to an epic ride through the spectacular mountains of the Kaghan valley. Laurie has already been in Pakistan several weeks helping out with the Tour of the Himalayas 2011 preparations and has found the Pakistanis to be extremely hospitable.She said that she is proud to be part of making even a small change in the lives of children at Kaghan memorial School.“I am racing for the kids,” she said.The winner Tour of Switzerland-England and Mexico, and California Cup United States, Nathan Dahlberg of New Zealand, who masterminded the track overall and are here in Pakistan from the last one month said that the aim and objective of the race is to attract foreign teams to see and visit Pakistan.He said that he enjoyed the love and hospitality of the people and did not afraid about the media propaganda about terrorism and militancy. “Frankly speaking I have frequent visit and I found Pakistan my second home,” Nathan Dahlberg added.Salovakia team leader, Martin Haring, Cross Country National Champion while talking to media said that people and the country is very nice. “It is the first time that we came to Pakistan. I don’t think so there is any security issue. No one has told me not to go to Pakistan. Rather they are quite jealous that they missed the opportunity,” he added.
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