Competitors with everything from mountain bikes to wheelchairs came to Nepal for this years Siemens Action Asia Himalayan Mountain Bike Series, a 3-day stage event Nov 22nd-25th circling the Kathmandu valley surrounded by snow-capped peaks.

To keep with the event's tradition a street parade through Thamel, Kathmandu took place the day before the event itself got underway. More than 150 mountain bikers, wheelchair and disabled competitors biked or walked while VIPS including the head of the Nepal Olympic committee, Government and Tourism Board officials to Embassy officials rode in rickshaws in front of thousands lining the streets.

International riders from Germany, Austria, Hong Kong, Malaysia and other western countries probably gained in confidence seeing the local Nepalese riders with outdated bikes without lycra padded shorts and all the nice gear that goes along with riding. That confidence soon evaporated at next day's start when local riders quickly set the pace with German Werner Wagner, Europe's winner of the famous Trans Alp race and Austrian Martin Hornegger. Any thoughts of the local Nepalese riders being slow was a myth as they were acclimatized to the Himalayas from birth, many being mountain bike guides riding up to 7 days a week.

In the women's race, Alexandra Yeung who represented Hong Kong in the Sydney Olympics and Asian games faced strong competition from Verena Stitzinger from Germany. Yeung battled against Stitzinger over the 3 days getting two-second places and a first place for second overall in the series.

"It made me realize why I love racing so much" Yeung said. "A beautiful course with fantastic support from the thousands of locals who lined the course to cheer us on. It was an incredible scene with villagers and school children lining the 30-40 km course everyday to cheer all the competitors on which was great on the hill climbs. I was seriously thinking of retiring at the end of this year but this trip to Nepal has made me realize all the great things I can do, as well as the wonderful people I can meet," said Yeung.

Action Asia's Michael Maddess, racing within sight of Yeung on day 3, was amazed saying, "She flew past me after I flipped over my handlebars on a steep section asking if I was OK. Five minutes later the reverse happened with Alexandra flipping over face first into a bank full of mud. She was amazing going on to finish the last 20km with a sprained left hand, using her opposite hand to change gears in some bumpy steep sections that needed full concentration. And riding at the speed she rides."

Yeung says, "I had forgotten that riding a bike is supposed to be fun so thanks for reminding me how lucky I am to have this job. I wouldn't have had the opportunity to be there if I wasn't a bike racer."

What the Siemens Action Asia Himalayan Mtn Bike series did prove was how well the Asian riders are improving compared to the European riders.

PanGlobal sponsored Malaysian Shahrom Abdullah was 2nd in the Open Men's category everyday and 3rd overall in the series not far off Wagner and Hornegger's daily times. Within minutes was Malaysian born Eric Koh who had to fight it out with Nepalese rider Suresh Dulal for 3rd in the Open Men's and 4th overall. Eric Koh splits his time between Shenzhen and Hong Kong and is unbeaten in all of the local Hong Kong races this year. Eric spent every day in Nepal on the phone with his wife back in Shenzhen who was in labour. Eric had to wait 3 days for the next flight to Hong Kong so was able to compete. Luckily with incredible timing, Eric's wife gave birth the day after he arrived back at home.

— Courtesy, Action Asia Foundation