Yak Attack is a 10 day mountain bike stage race that takes places in Nepal annually. Coming into the events 7th year, the Yak Attack is credited with being the highest mountain bike race on earth as it reaches the dizzying height of 5416m. Covering approximately 400km over 10 days, the distances aren’t huge, but the riding is! Starting in the Himalayan foothills, the trails are dry and dusty with temperatures in the mid to late 20c’s. Seven days later competitors could be riding on snow covered trails, with the temperature at the top of the pass being close to -20c! Along the way, riders will climb over 12000m, ride through rivers, sand, rock, mud, snow and ice and sleep in the most basic of teahouses, this event isnt for your weekend warrior.
The race has never been won by an international rider, with Nepal National champion, Ajay Pandit Chhetri having won it for the last 3 years. Yet the competition is getting tougher every year. In 2012 Australian rider Peter Butt placed 3rd and with some class riders joining in 2013, including Topeak-Ergon rider Yuki Ikeda, it seems like only a matter of time before the tough Nepali boys are knocked off the top spot.
That’s a hike a bike…
The 2013 Yak Attack has been sponsored by NorthFace and is set to be the biggest yet, with a sell out international field and all the top Nepali riders taking place. The race will commence from Kathmandu on 2 March and finish 11 days later at the hot springs in Tatopani,where the battered and bruised riders will be able to treat themselves to a well earned soak.
Plans are already under way to “toughen up” the 2014 race even more, with longer stages end even more climbing , which could make Yak Attack one of the toughest mtb stage races on the planet. International places are limited to 25 each year.
It’s not all walking – but it makes a good picture.
Yak Attack is run as a non profit making venture, with any profits made beng used to benefit Nepali mountain bikers, with equipment, race entry fees and with an ultimate goal to assist a Nepali national mtb team qualify for the 2016 Olympics.
More information and race updates can be found on the Yak Attack website.