ITANAGAR, Nov 22 - The eight-day mountain biking event, Dalmia MTB Arunachal Hornbill�s Flight International Race 2018 that started here on November 14 came to an end at Mechuka on Thursday with Bollywood superstar Salman Khan gracing the flag-in ceremony that coincided with the start of the three-day mega adventure festival, Adventure@Mechuka.
An award ceremony was organised at the finale to felicitate the winners. Martin from Germany bagged the prize for Open Men Solo category, Sarah from Germany bagged the prize for Open Women Solo, and David and Rakesh won the Team of Two category. The Student's category was bagged by Ashish from Hero Action Team, and Datta Patil won the Master�s 40+.
Menjo was declared the Best Arunachal Rider, Marca Sangma was declared the Best Para Rider and the 14-year-old Malav Dutta won the prize for Promising Rider award.
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju, Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, Mechuka MLA Pasang Dorjee Sona, also Festival Chair and MTB president and others attended the event.
Altogether, 78 cyclists from over 10 countries took part in this enchanting ride to Mechuka, one of the most sought after tourist destinations in West Siang district of the State. It was flagged off from Itanagar by Rijiju.
The race that aims to promote adventure sports in the North East, Arunachal Pradesh in particular, was sponsored by Dalmia Bharat Cement.