Bike race takes spectators by storm

KATHMANDU, May 22: Team Nemesis, a biking group that had staged a stunt show earlier this year, organized Yamaha Ridetech Challenge at the National Trading Center, Ramshahpath on Saturday.



The race was held in knockout format in which 74 riders were divided into groups of five and six in two categories -- FZ and R15. The top three riders after completion of four laps were eligible to enter the next round. [break]



The circuit, which should have been around three kilometers, was barely 400 meters and the organizers were more concerned with riding skills rather than speed.



“We don´t have a proper track in Nepal,” said Tshering Phunshok Thakuri, leader of Team Nemesis, and added, “Techniques like cornering, controlling and handling of bike becomes more crucial in a small circuit like this. We had given priority to safety.”



Thakuri further said that the race in small circuit was basically for the development of riding skills.



Suraj Manandhar of Morang Auto Works, distributor of Yamaha in Nepal and the sponsor of the race, said this was their endeavor to develop racing culture in Nepal. The sponsors have plans to come up with yearly editions of the race. “Performance of the Yamaha bikes proves the bikes´ stability and safety.” he said.



A press release issued by Morang Auto Works states that Yamaha Safety Riding School is on the cards as well.



Sujit Tamrakar, Ayush Gurung and Nihal Joshi secured the top three positions in FZ category while Ashutosh Pandey, Sandarbha Thapa and Samar Manandhar were the top three winners of R15 category respectively.



The winners of each category will get sponsorship to participate in the Chennai Racing Championship in India later this year. The runners-up bagged a purse of Rs 20,000 and the second runners-up received Rs 10,000 each.



Indian professional rider Fahad Khan, who facilitated the race, said Nepali riders were very aggressive. “One needs to be very aggressive and crazy to become a good rider,” he said.



Meanwhile, spectators gathered spontaneously around the temporary circuit to watch the race that also included B-boying and cheerleaders. A group of nursing students said they were really excited to watch the race.



“We wish there were proper facilities for the viewers,” said Drishti Gurung who didn´t get a seat in the scorching heat. Shristi Gurung, a cheerleader said she had an amazing experience.

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