Participants of Annapurna High Altitude cycling expedition receive recognition from MBOR

KATHMANDU: Ten Malaysian participants who completed the 260km Annapurna High Altitude Expedition 2017 have been awarded a certificate of recognition by the Malaysia Book of Records ( MBOR).

In a simple ceremony held here on Saturday night, the participants received recognition as the “First Group to Cycle at High Altitude”. The expedition which began on May 4 and completed yesterday, was led by Shamsudin Ismail, 42.

Sharing his experience, Shamsudin said one of the greatest challenges was when facing the highest peak - Thorong La Pass at an altitude of 5,416 metres - which required great mental and physical strength.

“Thank God, although one of the participants suffered from acute mountain sickness (AMS), all of us still managed to navigate on foot through one of the highest mountains in the world,” he said after the ceremony.

The certificate was presented by Malaysian Ambassador to Nepal, Ahmad Phadil Ismail and witnessed by Recreation Council of Malaysia ( MRM) president Muhammad Nur Azrul Che Zabani.

Shamsudin said the team faced many challenges during the expedition, including having to carry and push their bikes on most routes while hiking.

A participant, Puteri Nabilah Megat Idris, said a four-month intensive training stint had come in handy for her, mainly at altitudes above 2,500m.

“As a woman and a Malaysian, I am proud to be able to successfully complete the expedition. Malaysia Boleh! Wanita Boleh! “said the 28year-old from Klang, Selangor.

The more than two-week expedition which involved seven men and three women from MRM began in Besisahar and ended in Pokhara, Kathmandu, Nepal. — Bernama