CROSS COUNTRY: Azmi (second left) and Adenan (fourth right) launches the event theme ‘Break the Barrier’ at the press conference.
KUCHING: Cash prizes totaling RM18,900 are up for grab in the ‘Lundu Mountain Bike XC Challenge 2012’ scheduled this June 23-24.
Organised by Lundu District Office in conjunction with its 135-years anniversary as an administrative district, the 65km cross-country challenge will see riders roughing it out on off-road terrain of the district.
“Lundu is blessed with lush green forest, panoramic mountain ranges, cascading waterfalls and sandy beaches – an ideal venue for extreme sports events. This prestigious event will position Lundu as a premier Mountain Bike location in the state as well as country,” Lundu district officer Azmi Bujang told The Borneo Post at a press conference yesterday.
Also present was Tanjung Datu assemblyman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Adenan Satem who is Special Function Minister in the Chief Minister’s Office.
“The RM18,900 total cash prizes on offer is one of the biggest to be offered in a cross country cycling event in the country. We are expecting locals, peninsula and international riders from Brunei, Singapore, Thailand and even Indonesia to take part in the event. This race is supported by the Malaysian National Cycling Federation and the Sarawak Cycling Association which will provide the technical expertise,” informed Azmi.
The flag-off point will be at Lundu Mini Stadium with a rolling start on tarmac for the first 13 km, passing through Lundu town before proceeding to Kampung bajo where the off-road starts. From Kpg Bajo, riders will head to Kpg Belungei to the foot hills of Gunung Gading.
“From there, participants will ride along the Kpg Perigi – Kpg Serayan – Kpg Keranji route before a crossover to Lundu/Sematan road which takes them to Kpg Keranji Ulu, Biawak logging trail and Kpg Pasir. Riders will come out from the off-road at the Lundu bridge passing through along Kpg Stunggang Melayu to the finish line at Lundu Mini Stadium,” announced Azmi.
Marshalls will be placed at every check point in the villages above. Feeding zone for riders will be at Kpg Keranji and Kpg Pasir which is 85 per cent off-road and 15 per cent on-road.
He highlighted that the cross country ‘XC’ race will be divided into Open, Masters and Sarawak Closed categories. The Sarawak Closed category is open to local riders only. Prizes will be awarded on overall finishers for local participants from first to 10th placing.
“Another event taking place a day earlier on June 23 is the 2.5 km per lap Criterium Race where the route of the race is within Lundu town itself. Categories are divided into Men’s Open (10 laps), Ladies’ Open (8), Men’s Junior Veteran (8) for those 35 to 45 years old, Masters (8) for those aged 46 and above, Children A (200 m) for those aged 6 till 12 years old and Children B (100 m) for those aged six and below,” added Azmi.
Entry fee for the Open and Masters Categories is RM50 while both children categories are free.
“Transportation of equipment (bicycles) is also available at a price of RM150 return (Kuching-Lundu-Kuching). We are targeting some 250 participants in the cross country categories. Interested participants can visit www.lundudo.sarawak.gov.my from next week to download entry forms or call Abdul Hakeem Hossen of event management partner Prestigio Uno at 019-8789505,” said Azmi.