India’s Top Riders Conquer the Slopes at Monkey Temple Trail
Guwahati, April 11: The fifth edition of the Assam Downhill Championship (ADC) 2025 wrapped up on April 6 with a thrilling showcase of grit, speed, and skill at the Monkey Temple Trail in Bortila Hills, Assam. Organized by Spokehub Racing, the event attracted over 50 top-tier mountain bikers from across India and neighboring countries, drawing hundreds of spectators and further cementing its status as the premier downhill MTB competition in the country.
Set against the challenging terrain of the Monkey Temple Trail, riders battled steep descents, tight turns, and rugged natural features in what is considered one of the most technical trails in the region. The event featured multiple race categories including Full Suspension Open, Junior, Masters, and Hardtail, providing a platform for both emerging and seasoned talents.
In the Full Suspension Open Men’s Category, Ismamul Howk from Assam clinched the top spot with a blazing time of 2 minutes 23.904 seconds. He was closely followed by Meghalaya’s Aaronson Oniel Kharpuri and Bhutan’s Tapash Chhetri, who finished second and third respectively.
The Junior Men’s category saw Meghalaya’s Aldon Shylla take first place, while Bhutan’s Dirgam Dan Mishra and Meghalaya’s Darian Eugene Laloo secured second and third. Mizoram’s Miller B Renthlei emerged as the sole competitor and winner in the Masters (40+) category.
In the Hardtail category, Joel from Sikkim topped the podium with a time of 2 minutes 45.989 seconds, followed by Nagaland’s Midan Kikon and Assam’s Deepjyoti Lahon.
Speaking after the event, Spokehub Racing founder Bikash Doley expressed his satisfaction: “We are proud to host such incredible talent and thank everyone who made ADC 2025 a success. Each year, the enthusiasm grows, and the level of competition reaches new heights.”
Winner Ismamul Howk reflected on the course: “The Monkey Temple Trail was one of the toughest courses I’ve raced on – technical, fast, and full of surprises. But that’s what made it so enjoyable. It was a real test of skill and focus.”
Arshel Akhter, Bicycle Mayor of Guwahati and Co-Founder of Pedal for a Change, added, “Events like these inspire the youth, promote cycling culture, and highlight the adventure potential of Northeast India. Congratulations to all the winners and participants.”
With rising participation and growing fanfare, the Assam Downhill Championship continues to drive the popularity of mountain biking in India and promote the adventure sports potential of the Northeast.