Day 2: Haputale

‘Lipton Loop’ – You’d struggle to find a more apt name for the second day’s stage 2. Both the start and finish were located in the mountain-encircled Haputale, flanked by rainforests and tea plantations. The circular route led riders through one of Asia’s most picturesque areas, beginning with a 500 metre climb to reach the popular viewpoint named after the tea pioneer Sir Thomas Lipton. The view was superb, but this was a race and no casual coffee ride. What followed was a 16 km descent with 1,200 metres of altitude loss over some pretty rocky terrain, then two further, longer climbs back up to Haputale. Total: 63 km, 2,160 metres of climbing.

The landscape around Haputale is one of Asia’s most beautiful.
The landscape around Haputale is one of Asia’s most beautiful.
The route weaved its way through tea plantations, skirting up to the Sir Thomas Lipton viewpoint.
The route weaved its way through tea plantations, skirting up to the Sir Thomas Lipton viewpoint.
Having placed second on the first day, Peter Butt had three punctures on stage 2.
Having placed second on the first day, Peter Butt had three punctures on stage 2.

With the quickest time and just seven minutes behind last year’s winner, Ajay Pandit Chhetri stopped the clock at 3 h 21 min with an advantage of 10 minutes. The final rider rolled home in 8 h 19 min.

About the Author

Manne Schmitt
Authorized Officer

Manne Schmitt is a Procurator at 41 Publishing, contributing a wealth of methodological expertise from his career as a Chief Analyst for a state authority. This background ensures the journalistic depth of his research, and the acquisition of exclusive news for E-MOUNTAINBIKE, ENDURO, GRAN FONDO, and DOWNTOWN. Active in cycling since 1989, he combines operative test support with administrative responsibility, strengthening the quality of editorial processes. The world of racing remains a passion; no one on the team knows the EDR professionals better than Manne.

View all posts
Page 3 of 6 Prev Next
Table of Contents
  1. Rumble in the Jungle in Sri Lanka
  2. Day 1: Kuda Oya – Haputale
  3. Day 2: Haputale
  4. Day 3: Kalupahana – Nuwara Eliya
  5. Day 4: Ramboda – Kandy
  6. Bike Check Special

You may also like

ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine

ENDURO is the leading magazine for mountain bike technology and the modern trail riding lifestyle. We cover high-end bikes, global trends, and technical innovations – in-depth, bold, and always with an eye on the bigger picture. Our editorial approach speaks to everyone who sees mountain biking not just as a sport, but as a way of life. We view bikes as more than just the sum of their parts, evaluating products through the lens of real world riding rather than just on the spec sheet, testing bikes everywhere from alpine adventures to intense bikepark laps.

Since 2011, ENDURO has stood for journalistic quality and transparent reporting in the MTB segment. In our in-depth individual and comparison reviews, our specialist test team brings years of on-trail experience from around the world to deliver well-founded verdicts and real guidance for riders. Our awards are internationally recognized as a benchmark for innovation and quality in the bike industry, offering reliable orientation for readers, retailers, and manufacturers alike.

ENDURO is published in both German and English, reaching an international audience.