Chhetri remained unbeaten throughout last year and this is his second victory in 2011, following his success in the Yak Attack Series held recently around the Annapurna range.[break]
Saturday´s race, participated by 61 bikers in four different categories, began after the conclusion of a rally from Patan Durbar Square to Gyanodaya Residential School, Khokana, which was organized by Laxmi Cares with the theme "Go Green".
About 400 people had participated in the rally aimed at raising funds to install solar street lights at Patan Durbar Square and the Bagmati Bridge at Thapathali. Prasanna KC, chairman of Laxmi Cares said they succeeded in collecting Rs 2 million.
Chhetri finished the 8-lap race in men´s elite category held at Khokana´s 4.6 km fast track road in 1 hour 48 minutes 8 seconds to bag a purse of Rs 30,000. After the victory, the national player said the ride was "quite enjoyable", although it was tiresome for others who had to drag their bikes while climbing to Bhainsepati en route to Khokana.
"It wasn´t much difficult as the circuit was a fast track," said Chhetri, fresh from his return from the Annapurna region where he had to carry the bike in the rocky terrains.
Narayan Gopal Maharjan was behind Chhetri by one minute and nine seconds. Rajiv Rai finished third with a timing of 1 hour 53 minutes 35 seconds. Maharjan and Rai received Rs 20,000 and Rs 10,000 respectively.
Okesh Bajracharya, Ayaman Tamang and Sunil Lama secured the top three spots in the junior category (U-18 years). Likewise, Dipendra Bajaracharya, Ajay Bajracharya and Prayas Tamang were the top three winners respectively in the master´s category (above 30 years).
The winner of the women´s category was Diana Isable Fernandez of the United States.
Altogether 30 bikers had participated in the elite category, 17 in junior category, eight in master´s category and six in women´s category.
The event was managed by Chain Inc, a mountain bike company, and was also supported by one of the most popular football clubs Three Star.
"We lend our support for the rally because the organizers are upto a good cause," said Lalit Krishna Shrestha, president of Three Star Club.
"It is also our social responsibility," he added.
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