National Mountain Bike Championship Gears Up in Gokarneshwor

National Mountain Bike Championship

14th December 2025, Kathmandu 

The National Mountain Bike Championship Gokarneshwor is scheduled to take place in the first week of January (Poush) at the Shahid Memorial Park in Gokarneshwor Municipality-4.

National Mountain Bike Championship

The Nepal Cycling Association (NCA) is organizing this prestigious event, which includes the 12th National MTB Downhill and the 20th Cross-Country MTB Cycling Competitions.

This major sporting fixture, announced at a recent press conference, underscores the growing profile of cycling sports and outdoor activities in the region, an area where technology often plays a crucial role in performance monitoring and race management.

Race Formats and Key Dates

The championship will unfold over two days, January 4th and 5th (Poush 4 and 5). Race Director Devendra Basnet confirmed that competitors will participate in two primary disciplines on the course: Downhill (DH) and Cross-Country (XC). Both formats demand significant skill, endurance, and often rely on advanced bicycle technology and training methodologies.

Fierce Competition Across Five Events

A total of 30 medals will be contested across five different event categories. The structure is designed to promote participation across various age and experience levels:

• Men’s Elite: Ages 19 to 30 years

• Women’s Elite

• Junior: Ages 17 and 18 years

• Masters: Ages 30 years and above

• Youth: Ages 14 to 16 years

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Equal participation is expected in both Downhill and Cross-Country events, with approximately 50 athletes competing in each discipline. Both men and women will also compete within the Masters and Junior categories, totaling four sub-categories per discipline.

The Legacy of the Gokarneshwor Track

The selection of the Shahid Memorial Park course in Gokarneshwor is significant. This same track was utilized for the 13th South Asian Games (SAG), proving its quality and challenge for regional-level competition. The NCA acknowledged the continuous support from the Gokarneshwor Municipality in maintaining and developing the course.

“We had prepared the track previously with the intent of promoting both biking and hiking activities,” said Sudip Paudel, President of the Cycling Association. He added that the association has ensured insurance coverage for every registered athlete, prioritizing rider safety throughout the event.

Financial and Community Support

The successful execution of a championship of this scale is supported by substantial community and corporate contributions. Prayash Tamang, the operator of Sram and a Chief Cycling Coach, contributed one lakh rupees to the event.

Furthermore, Gokarneshwor Municipality Mayor Deepak Kumar Risal declared a significant contribution of five lakh rupees toward the prize money during the press conference. Such high-level municipal support highlights the event’s importance to the local area and the national sports scene.

International Significance and Ranking Points

The competition will offer more than just national titles. According to Ranjan Rajbhandari, General Secretary of the Association, this event is critical for awarding international ranking points.

“These ranking points are necessary for athletes aiming to participate in international competitions,” Rajbhandari stated, emphasizing the championship’s role as a gateway to global cycling recognition.

Other notable speakers at the press conference included Sudarshan Sigdel, Chairman of the National Martyrs and Peace Park Civilian Memorial Extended Board, and Sangharsh Bisht, Senior Vice-President of the Cycling Association and Managing Director of Nepali Chulo.

The championship is shaping up to be a thrilling display of cycling prowess, setting a high standard for mountain biking events in Nepal and promoting the sport internationally.

For more: National Mountain Bike Championship