Aizawl – India’s adventure sports scene reached a thrilling new height as the Hyundai Red Bull Tlang Ruam, the country’s first Urban Downhill Mountain Bike (MTB) event, concluded in Aizawl, Mizoram. The event saw top cyclists from across Asia tackle a challenging urban track, with Taiwan’s Dan C emerging victorious. His win secured him a ticket to compete in the global Red Bull Cerro Abajo in South America, marking an exceptional debut for this sport in India.
The collaboration between Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) and Red Bull infused the event with a unique spirit of adventure and innovation, drawing spectators and enthusiasts alike to witness an extraordinary display of speed, agility, and skill against Aizawl’s dynamic landscape. Hyundai’s Creta, featured as the official vehicle of the event, seamlessly integrated into the race’s setup, reflecting both brands’ vision for mobility and energy.
“We’re thrilled to bring urban downhill MTB to India in partnership with Red Bull,” said Virat Khullar, Group Head of Marketing at Hyundai Motor India Limited. “Hyundai’s ethos of ‘Progress for Humanity’ resonates with this event, creating experiences that inspire. Showcasing the Hyundai Creta in this exhilarating setting perfectly reflects our commitment to innovation, adventure, and mobility. We’re confident this event will ignite a passion for extreme sports in India, especially among younger generations.”
With 22 top international and domestic athletes navigating Aizawl’s rugged course, the event also featured exclusive mentorship from UCI 4X World Champion Tomáš Slavik, bringing world-class expertise and excitement to India’s MTB scene. Slavik’s involvement further heightened the competition, offering competitors the chance to learn from a legend in the sport and setting a high standard for future events.
The Red Bull Tlang Ruam marked a significant step in the growth of India’s extreme sports culture, particularly in the Northeast, where mountain biking is rapidly gaining traction. Supported by Hyundai and Red Bull’s digital engagement efforts, the event sparked widespread interest in urban downhill MTB and highlighted Mizoram as a budding hub for adventure sports. This event, with its high-energy track, technical challenges, and stellar athletes, sets a new precedent for extreme sports in India, inviting a wave of thrill-seekers to experience the sport firsthand.