Meghalaya Mountain Bike Festival, 2025 - First National Level Race In The State
Meghalaya Mountain Bike Festival 2025 – Edition One Concludes Successfully
Kyrdemkulai, Ri Bhoi | October 22, 2025
The Meghalaya Mountain Bike Festival 2025 – Edition One came to a thrilling close on Wednesday, October 22 at 6 Kilo, Kyrdemkulai, after three action-packed days celebrating mountain biking, community, and eco-tourism in the heart of Meghalaya.
Organized by the Meghalaya Mountain Biking Society in collaboration with Pedal Compass, and powered by Meghalaya Tourism and Trail Heads Crew, the festival brought together over 50 riders from across India to compete in two major disciplines, Downhill (DHI) and Cross-Country Olympic (XCO).
Shiven from Himachal Pradesh leading the pack, trailed by Norboo from Ladakh, and Khushiman from Army Adventure Wing right behind
Photo Credit: Gabriel Marwein
The event drew participants ranging from professional national riders and state champions to young local enthusiasts. A key highlight was the participation of national-level athletes who are also set to represent their states in the upcoming National Games, which will be hosted by Meghalaya in 2027.
Spectators gathered in large numbers to witness the high-speed races that unfolded across freshly carved trails. The festival not only promoted competitive cycling but also reinforced Meghalaya’s growing reputation as one of India’s leading destinations for adventure and green tourism.
Winners and Highlights
In the XCO Men’s Open, Khushiman Gharti from the Army Adventure Wing took the top spot, followed by Shiven Aerohawk from Himachal Pradesh and Tsewang Norboo from Ladakh.
Shiven, one of the most experienced mountain bikers in the country, praised the quality of the trails, describing them as “a proper national-level trail.”
In the Women’s XCO category, current National Champion Star Nazary from Assam claimed victory, with Pavitra Kurtakoti from Karnataka and Sandhya Mourya from Madhya Pradesh finishing close behind after an intense battle across the cross-country loops.
All podium winners from Cross Country and Downhill Races
Photo Credit: Ban Lyngdoh
In the Junior Men’s XCO, Kevin Lyngdoh, Dalenmi Phawa, and Mack Amazing Khyllait secured the top three positions.
In the Downhill event, local seasoned rider Reuben Kharchancy from Shillong clinched the top spot after clocking the fastest time on a challenging course featuring steep descents, switchbacks, and technical rock sections. He was followed by Samarpan Jain from Karnataka and Willbornson Wahlang from Mawkyrwat.
In the Junior Downhill, Jarett Bang from Shillong, Manav Malpa from Himachal Pradesh, and Edgar Nonglait displayed impressive skill and speed to claim the top three positions.
Community Involvement
Beyond the races, the festival featured community rides, local food stalls, and support for local vendors, creating a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere for both participants and visitors. Local youth groups played a crucial role in trail preparation, hospitality, and volunteering, reflecting the festival’s core philosophy of uplifting micro-economies through adventure sports.
Festival Organiser Anissa Lamare emphasized that the Meghalaya Mountain Bike Festival is more than just a sporting event, it is a movement towards sustainable mobility and tourism and the vision to make Meghalaya a true mountain biking hub.
Team member Kevin Tham added that the event helps build a culture of consistent racing and training for riders across the region.
A shot of the spectators and volunteers from the local community
Photo Credit: Gabriel Marwein
Trail builders Apshai and Ridor Niangti, and Khraw Kharumnuid also highlighted the importance of developing more dedicated trails in Meghalaya to boost the sport sustainably.
The event received strong support from the Department of Tourism, Government of Meghalaya, along with local partners and sponsors.
As the races came to an end on the trails of Kyrdemkulai, the festival left behind more than just tyre tracks, it reaffirmed Meghalaya’s commitment to fostering an eco-conscious adventure culture and nurturing the next generation of riders from the Northeast.