Cyclefest Sarawak gets bigger this year

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KUCHING: Organisers of this year’s Cyclefest Sarawak are expecting more foreign cyclists from neighbouring Brunei, Indonesia and Singapore.

The event will be held at Padang Merdeka from March 29 – 31.

Cyclefest Sarawak project coordinator Ong Poh Seng told the Borneo Post yesterday that so far 100 foreign cyclists and their family members have shown interest in participating in the three-day event.

“We have started promoting the event on the internet, our facebook page and word of mouth since six months ago and the feedback received so far have been encouraging,” Ong revealed.

Foreign tourists who will come via other states in the Peninsula are also expected to join in the fun.

“This is the second time we are organising the event and it is a good way of promoting cycling as a form of sports tourism,” Ong added.

The six joint organisers of the event are Ministry of Social Development, Kuching North City Hall (DBKU), Sarawak Cycling Association, Plaza Merdeka, Rotary International and Revelasia.

The event is also supported by Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) and Malaysia National Cycling Federation (MNCF).

Last year, the event attracted 500 cyclists including tourists. More are expected to take part this time round in view of the Health and Lifestyle Carnival which will be held simultaneously at the same venue. The Cyclefest is also being held together with the `Let’s Share The Road’ cycling campaign.

“We are expecting a turnout of 2,000 people for the four-in-one event at Padang Merdeka because of the school holidays and Good Friday on March 29,” Ong said on the expected crowd turnout.

The road race itself will be held in two stages, the first on Saturday and the second on the following day. The race and cycling route will be confirmed and announced later. Padang Merdeka is expected to be a no-traffic area throughout the three-day event from 10am to 10pm daily.