Nepali cyclist Usha Khanal finishes third in BC Bike Race in Canada

Nepali cyclist Usha Khanal has secured third place in the BC Bike Race, one of the world’s most popular single-track cycling competitions held in British Columbia, Canada.

Usha competed against 18 other female riders and completed the race in 14 hours, 51 minutes, and 27 seconds to claim third place.

The race was won by Sandra Walter from Canada’s Cabtech racing team, who finished in 12 hours, 25 minutes, and 45 seconds. Second place went to Katerina Nash from the Clif Family Foundation, with a time of 12 hours, 58 minutes, and 21 seconds.

The BC Bike Race, which began on June 30, is a stage race covering seven stages and a total distance of 220 kilometers.

This was Usha’s first time participating in a world-class race like this, and she expressed great happiness with the result. “This was my first time taking part in this race. I didn’t expect such a good result. I’m very happy,” she said in an interview from Canada. “Now I feel like I can compete internationally too. We do have the ability.”

Usha had tried to participate in this race before but couldn’t make it due to various reasons. “This is a world-class race, famous globally. I had been trying for a long time, but it never worked out. Last year, my visa was delayed. But this time, everything came together,” she shared.

The event organizers waived the registration fee for her, but she managed her flight and other expenses on her own.

Last year, Usha also took part in a similar race in the U.S. but couldn’t perform fully as she had recently recovered from a broken hand. She’s now preparing to compete in another race in the U.S. this August.