Born and raised in Kathmandu, Christopher's journey began with a deep curiosity for Nepal's mountainous terrain and a second-hand bike. What started as a local passion turned into a disciplined pursuit of excellence. With limited resources and no formal coaching, he trained himself through relentless trail time, online tutorials, and raw grit. His unique middle name, Ashok, inspired by the protagonist of the novel The Far Pavilions, hints at the adventurous spirit that has always defined him.
Early Life and Self-Made Beginnings
Chris A.
Keeling
All in Style
Christopher Ashok Keeling is a rising force in Nepal’s elite mountain biking scene, known for his fearless downhill style, unmatched flow on technical trails, and a self-built reputation as one of the country’s most promising athletes. Based in Kathmandu and riding with Team Switchback Nepal, Christopher is redefining what it means to be a competitive mountain biker from the Himalayas—both on and off the trails.
Christopher quickly rose through the ranks in Nepal’s competitive biking circuit. His standout performances in events like the Pokhara Enduro Race (PoE 2024) have solidified his place among Nepal’s elite.
Competing in the Elite Male 19–29 category, he’s celebrated for:
-
Consistent podium finishes, including multiple 2nd-place rankings
-
Fastest overall lap times in key downhill events
-
High-performance race footage frequently featured by local biking media and platforms
His smooth, aggressive riding has earned respect across the community and brought national attention to his potential.
Racing Success and Recognition
While still on the cusp of international breakthrough, Christopher is gaining recognition from global riders visiting Nepal. His social media showcases a deep understanding of trail dynamics, bike control, and line choices, attracting attention from both fans and fellow athletes worldwide.
As a mentor, he remains committed to growing the local biking culture— encouraging younger riders, sharing knowledge openly, and proving that world-class performance can come from within Nepal.
International Exposure and Mentorship
Today, Christopher rides as part of Team Switchback Nepal, a crew dedicated to advancing Nepal’s mountain biking frontier. He competes regularly, creates content that inspires, and represents the country’s evolving outdoor sport culture.
His sponsorships and partnerships are growing, with collaborations that highlight biking gear, local trails, and Nepal’s unmatched riding environments. Through his digital presence (e.g., @chrisak.47 on Instagram), he promotes mountain biking not just as a sport but as a lifestyle, showcasing Nepal’s scenic trails and technical descents.
