GILGIT: The ‘Tour de Khunjerab 2018’ cycle race, being run over three days, entered its last stage as cyclists arrived at Sust on Saturday.

The cyclists would pedal towards Khunjerab Pass from Sust on Sunday, and are expected to arrive at the highest placed international border between Pakistan and China at an altitude of 15,300 feet, covering a distance of 500 kilometres, to end the race.

The race started from Gilgit city on Friday. The cyclists arrived at Rakaposhi view point Nagar district on Friday evening. After staying the night there, the cyclists kicked off second stage on Saturday morning from Rakaposhi view point of Nagar and arrived in Sust town of Hunza in the evening.

The cyclists were welcomed by locals at various points with traditional receptions and school children carrying flowers and banners at sides of KKH welcoming the cyclists.Abdul Razzaq, 22, from Team Balochistan won the first stage of Tour de Khunjerab while cyclist Abdullah from Pakistan Army stood first in the second stage of the race.

The cyclists have termed the race as most dangerous but very exciting. Talking to media Razzaq said he is hopeful to win the first position in in the third and final stage of the race.

Director GB tourism Iqbal Hussain told Dawn that this is first race of its kind in the region.

Published in Dawn, May 13th, 2018