What happened: Due to the recent rising trend of Covid-19 in Gilgit Baltistan, the Pakistan Cycling Federation has postponed Tour de Khunjerab Road Cycle Race 2021 for the second time. The race will now be conducted from the 12th to 16th July of this year.
President Pakistan Cycling Federation (PCF) General Secretary Syed Azhar Ali Shah has stated that the Gilgit-Baltistan government in collaboration with Pakistan Cycling Federation will organize this mega event to promote tourism in the region. He further stated that female teams will also be participating this year. The invitation has been sent to all affiliated units of the Pakistan Cycling Federation and various renewed international cycling teams of Europe and Asia has also been issued. However, he also stated that only Afghanistan, out of 15 invited countries, have confirmed their participation so far.
Despite the delay caused by the pandemic, the race is to observe strict COVID-19 SOPs throughout the event. The Tour de Khunjerab, billed to be the highest cycling race in the world, finishes nearly 5,000 metres above sea level in the country’s northern Gilgit and Baltistan region. Many sources have claimed it as ‘world’s toughest cycle race’ as participants climb towards the ‘Roof of the World’. This July, Tour De Khunjerab will start at an elevation of 4200ft and climb up all the way to Khunjerab at 15400ft, an ascent of more than 10,000ft from start to finish. Click here to see more from Propergaanda.