Mountain bikers compete during last year’s Kirirom race. This year’s race is set for December 11. Photo Supplied

The scenic beauty of Kirirom National Park in Kampong Speu province provides the perfect backdrop for the 7th annual Kirirom Mountain Bike Challenge marked out for Sunday, December 11.

In the midst of a spectacular pine forest, the race starts by the side of one of the many exotic waterfalls as an expected field of more than 100 riders get down for this ultimate endurance test for both man and machine.

Buoyed by the success of previous editions, the organisers of the event, engineering giants Comin Khmere, are offering four categories of competition this year over two distinctly different courses that vary in distance and intensity.

Both the chosen routes offer single track trails, grueling climbs and steep downhill descents, making the rides a truly challenging experience for bikers.

Even the non-competitive variety of riders are not left out, with the organisers holding a fun-ride race as well.

The event is sponsored by ATS, Smart Mobile, Total, ANZ, Cambodia Airports and other local businesses and participants have the chance to win more than US$3,000 of cash and prizes. Entry fee is US$5 for Cambodians and $15 for foreigners and registration can be made at either Flying Bike Shop on Street 154 & 51 or Smey’s Shop on Street 360.