Hero MotoCorp announced that Asad Khan has been crowned champion of its inaugural Hero Dirt Biking Challenge. Rakesh Nagaraja and Gideon Benjamin were the first and second runners-up, respectively, after four stages spanning across 120 days. The podium finishing trio were awarded sponsorships worth Rs 10 lakh, Rs 6 lakh and Rs 4 lakh, respectively, in addition to a Hero Xpulse 200 4V.
Over 1,00,000 riders participated from across India
Oleysa Diaz was awarded best female rider
Hero Dirt Biking Challenge: details
Back in July, Hero MotoCorp had announced the Hero Dirt Biking Challenge competition and across India, the Hero Dirt Biking Challenge attracted more than one lakh participants. The city and regional rounds saw a total of 90 riders make it to the zonal round, after which the top 20 were shortlisted. The entire event was held in and around Hero’s Centre of Innovation and Technology in Jaipur.
Further, Hero’s factory Dakar Rally competition team comprising Ross Branch, Joaquim Rodrigues, Sebastian Buhler and Franco Caimi were present to provide training to the top riders in a residential bootcamp.
Talking about the talent in the country, Dr Arun Jaura, chief technology officer, Hero MotoCorp, said, “The Hero MotoSports Team Rally is the flag-bearer of Indian off-road racing globally and has been inspiring amateurs as well as professionals in the country to aspire for success on the international circuit. With superior technology and innovations, the Xpulse 200 4V is the ideal bike for riders to get into the sport, pursue their passion and go beyond boundaries.”