Details of Pokhara Enduro Race 2023
The Pokhara Enduro is a 1-day MTB enduro race planned for 23-25 November 2023 that will bring 150 mountain bikers worldwide to the beautiful lake district of Pokhara.
The terrain surrounding Pokhara will be a zone of delight for these enduro athletes, who will be treated with stunning Himalayan views while shredding flowy and technical singletrack and, at times forgetting that they are even here for racing. Two fully-supported practice days will allow riders to gain confidence in unfamiliar terrain.
The best trails the area offers will be included, encompassing a scenic and challenging route of 2 to 3 hours of riding per day, containing four (4) timed stages to be contested on the race day. At times, shuttle uplifts will be included wherever necessary to move athletes around the course.
Besides the primary enduro race, other sub-activities include a biking and sports equipment festival, a live concert, local immersion via bike clinic, and an auxiliary “Race with the Gurkhas” running event.
While the target is 150 international participants from more than ten countries, the race will also involve global media, including photographers, videographers and bloggers, and trail builders from Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, Japan and South Africa.
Date: 23 to 25 November 2023
Race HQ: Lakeside
Race Tracks: Aarva Hills, next to Kau Danda
Format: Enduro Race
Activities: Festival and live race screening area at the lakeside to engage locals and other visitors.
WHEN
23-25 NOVEMBER, 2023
WHERE
Arba-Bijaya Hill
Pokhara, Nepal
RACE CATEGORIES
Elite: For professional Racers above 19 years (Male)
Junior: Above 12 & Under 18 (male)
Open: Female
Masters-A: 30-39 (Male)
Masters-B: 40-49 (Male)
Veterans: 50+ (Male)
and
e-Bike Category: Yes, you heard it right, an e-bike. This category is open for registration only for prior experienced riders. No upper age limit.
RACE ROUTE
About the area
Pokhara Enduro Race occurs at the Arba-Bijaya hill range, 7 km east of the lakeside. The highest point of the Arba hill range starts at 1400 meters above sea level, a perfect launch point for the race.
The hill range has thick sub-tropical vegetation and a network of Natural tracks, making it ideal for Pokhara Enduro. The variation in terrain makes these trails a perfect destination for Enduro lovers. The two river systems fencing the eastern and western flanks of the hill demarcates the Natural endpoints of the race runs.
PLEASE PAY SPECIAL ATTENTION TO THE FOLLOWING RACE-RELATED
Important Information
Race Format
2-day practice: We will facilitate two practice days on all four(4) stages of the special sections for you to gain familiarity with the new terrain.
Prologue: There will be a prologue on the 2nd practice day to determine the sequence of racers for the final race run.
Important: The timing of the prologue run will be added to the overall race times.
1-day enduro race: mainly flat and climbing sections are untimed, and mostly descending sections are timed—2 to 3 hours of riding per day, with four (4) timed sections.
Race Transfer Stages
Each day, riders will be transported up the hill to an assembly point, and from there, they can expect a starting transfer stage of easy uphill ridge riding for 0.8 km.
Uplifts by Vehicle
4-wheel drive trucks may provide very limited vehicular uplifts for the subsequent stages of the race. The details of uplifts will be provided during the race briefing, if any. Come prepared to pedal in the authentic enduro riding style and the spirit.
Protective Gear
WHAT KIND OF PROTECTION AND BIKE APPAREL DO I NEED?
- Helmets are mandatory to be worn whenever a rider is pedalling their bike. The helmet can be full-face or half-lid, according to the individual’s comfort level. Helmets with a removable chin guard/piece are also acceptable. Knee pads are the other mandatory apparel (for timed stages). Other recommended apparel include:
- Additional body armour (elbow pads, chest protector, back protector, etc.) according to the individual’s comfort level
- Padded shorts or bib shorts
- Full-fingered gloves
- Eye protection (sunglasses or goggles)
- Two or more sets of comfortable riding shorts + a jersey
Apparals
As part of their packing list, all participants are advised to bring along the following:
- A storm-shell/waterproof jacket
- A synthetic insulated jacket or insulated fleece/wool mid-layer
- One or more insulated beanies/balaclava/headscarf
- A pair of sunglasses or goggles (with tinted lenses for bright sunlight) Besides, the recommended equipment includes (but is not limited to) the following:
- Warm gloves / Warm socks
- Spare clothing & sturdy walking/running shoes/flipflops for casual hiking & sightseeing
- Lip balm/Sunscreen/Earplugs
- Head torch
- Baby wipes and/or anti-bacterial hand sanitiser gel
Insurance
DO I NEED INSURANCE TO TAKE PART IN THE POKHARA ENDURO?
- Yes. The event passes through woods and hard-to-access areas. A costly means of evacuation may be necessary for an emergency. All participants must have insurance covering this and any medical treatment that may be required.
- All successful international participants at the event must show proof of insurance on the race briefing day. Anyone without adequate insurance will not be allowed to take part in the event.
ITINERARY
Race Schedule
International participants must arrive at the Kathmandu International Airport (KTM) on or before 21 November 2023. They will then travel 200 KM by road to Pokhara(PKR) the next day. There is an option to fly (25 Minute) domestic airline to Pokhara at an additional cost. Please contact us if you need additional arrangements outside the official schedule.
| 21-Nov-23 | 22-Nov-23 | 23-Nov-23 | 24-Nov-23 | 25-Nov-23 | 26-Nov-23 | 27-Nov-23 |
| Participants Arrive | Travel to Pokhara | 07:00 – Breakfast | 07:00 – Breakfast | 07:00 – Breakfast | 06:00 – Breakfast | 07:00 – 09:00 Breakfast |
| Transfer to the official Hotel | Check into the official hotel | 08:00 – Shuttle Uplift for practice | 08:00 – Shuttle Uplift for practice + Prologue | 08:00 – Shuttle Uplift for Final Race Day | 07:00 – Travel back to Kathmandu | 09:00 – onwards Transfer to the airport |
| Handover Bike bags to the logistics Team | Collect Bike + Test ride | 13:00 – Shuttle back to Hotel | 13:00 – Shuttle back to Hotel | 09:30 – First wave descent SS1 | 14:00 – Check into Hotel | |
| 19:00 – Group Dinner | 18:00 – Race Briefing | R & R (self-explore) | 17:00 Shuttle back to Hotel | 13:00 – Last rider at the end of SS4 | 15:00 – collect the bike bags | |
| R & R (self-explore) | R & R (self-explore) | R & R (self-explore) | 16:00 – Shuttle Complete back to hotels | R & R (self-explore) | ||
| Group Dinner (Full package participants only) |
Race Highlights
150
PARTICIPANTS
4
Stages
1
RACE DAY