JOIN US: Abdul Karim (left) briefing reporters on the event. Also present are Sarawak Cycling Association vice-president Irwan Zulkarnain Hasbie (centre) and Ong. — Photo by Jeffery Mostapa.
KUCHING: The annual cycling event, CycleFest Sarawak 2013, returns for another exciting year taking cyclists on a tour-like racing adventure in two stages over the weekend.
The event will be held from this Friday until Sunday at Padang Merdeka.
During the event, some of the major roads here, Kota Samarahan and Serian will be closed.
The public especially motorists are asked to be considerate towards the cyclists.
Assistant Minister of Youth Development Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah told a press conference yesterday that the second edition will for the first time introduce a multi-stage category racing to cater to cyclists of different fitness levels.
“We hope to offer unique ride challenges in Sarawak to all cycling enthusiasts of various fitness levels. Also, it aims to showcase Kuching as an attractive green destination for sports and tourism,” he said.
The Stage 1 Team Trial will cover a 15km fast course in Petra Jaya, starting from the new DUN Building and ending in Padang Merdeka.
The Stage 2 Century Road Race (on Sunday) will present a challenging 165km route that will start and end in Padang Merdeka.
Adding on, he said participants on the Century Road Race will ride through three districts of Kuching, Samarahan and Serian, featuring contrast of bustling towns and rustic villages, beautiful green lush surrounding and some technical lumpy sections.
Abdul Karim pointed out that the event also aimed to encourage volunteerism in the communities.
“Similar to last year, the event will also help to raise funds with part of the proceeds going to several charitable bodies,” he added.
About 150 cyclists have registered for the event so far.
“Apart from local cyclists, the event has attracted cyclists from neighbouring countries with a strong team and experienced cyclists from Brunei and Indonesia as well as Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore,” he
elaborated.
There are four categories available namely the competitive Categories 1, 2 and 3 as well as Grand Fondo category.
Categories 1, 2 and 3 are open to teams of four male cyclists, with a field limit of 20 teams or 80 participants in each category.
“On the other hand, Grand Fondo category is open to any cyclist of all fitness levels and is allowed to take part in Stage 2 only,” he added.
CycleFest Sarawak 2013 will offer over RM16,000 in cash prizes across all categories.
“In addition, Kenyalang Rider awards are also offered to the best Sarawakian riders in all categories,” he said.
As a side activity, a Health and Lifestyle Carnival will also be held.
During the same period, two other independent cycling events organised by third parties will also be held at Padang Merdeka – 400km Ride To Home and Let’s Share the Road.
Revel Asia project director Ong Poh Seng said the 400km Ride To Home will be a two-day charity bicycle ride from Kuching to Sri Aman and back.
“It is organised by Cyclist That Care to raise funds for Kuching Autistic Association. While the Let’s Share the Road is organised by KOOCH to raise cycling related safety awareness among the public,” he said.
The inaugural edition last year drew more than 500 cyclists.
“In addition, last year’s event managed to raise funds of RM15,000 for Salvation Army Boys’ Home, Salvation Army Children’s Home and Sarawak Cheshire Home,” he added.
Meanwhile, each participant of CycleFest Sarawak 2013 will be entitled to a limited edition cycling jersey, a souvenir cycling cap from Ciclista and a finisher medal.
Registration fee cost RM500 for each team of four under competitive Categories 1, 2 and 3 or RM100 for each individual cyclist under Grand Fondo category.
Registration can be done online via the official webpage www.CycleFestSarawak.com.
CycleFest Sarawak is organised by Revel Asia in collaboration with the Youth Development Ministry, Kuching North City Commission (DBKU), Sarawak Cycling Association and venue host Plaza Merdeka.
It is also endorsed and supported by Tourism Ministry, Sarawak Tourism Board, Malaysia National Cycling Federation (MNCF), Serian District Council and the Royal Malaysian Police.
For more information, contact event organiser at 019-258 7817 or email to [email protected].