Two wheels in two countries
The 2015 edition of the Tour of Mukdahan-Savannakhet takes place next weekend
THE POPULAR TOUR of Mukdahan-Savannakhet 2015 returns next weekend for its third consecutive year and organisers say this latest edition will see more than 200 cyclists participating in what promises to be an exhilarating ride.
“The biggest leap in attendance was between 2013 and 2014 when the number rose from 40 to 160,” Suthep Prakongphan, leader of the Mukdahan Cycling for Health and Competition Club tells XP at Wat Roi Phra Bat Phu Manorom, which hits on a hill overlooking the city of Mukdahan and the Mekong River.
“If we can assume total responsibility for safety, we think we’ll be getting somewhere between 250 and 300 cyclists in the three next years.”
The race combines competition with cultural tourism over a distance of 70 kilometres from Mukdahan in Thailand to Savannakhet in Laos.
The start point is the Robinson Lifestyle Centre in Mukdahan and the ride continues over the Second Thai-Laos Friendship Bridge, past Lao Immigration in Savannakhet and a roundabout that’s home to dinosaur |sculptures.
In Savannaket, which is the second largest city in Laos, |participants will be shown the Catholic Church and several French colonial buildings, then turn back towards Mukdahan for the sprint and mountain stages |at the hilltop temple.
“Last year, we led the cyclists to see Phra That Inhang and Bung Wa Lake in Savannakhet but this year we’ve changed the route. The concept this year is ‘Two Wheels, Two Countries’. The most challenging part will be the hill climb and for those cyclists who want to drop out at this stage, we are laying on a tram to support them. They can leave their bicycles at the bottom of the hill where they will be looked after by guards. It’s dangerous to ride down if you are not an experienced cyclist,” Suthep says.
“The Second Thai-Laos Friendship Bridge is the first and only bridge on which cyclists can ride across the Mekong River. The bridges in other provinces require that bikes be transported by vehicle or boat.”
“The temple offers a magnificent 360-degree view of the city and Savannakhet in Laos,” adds Sajja Wongkittithorn, secretary of the Tourism Industrial Association in Mukdahan.
“We are also planning the construction of a large Buddha image of Phra Chao Kaeo Mukda Sri Trairat. When the Bt300-million project is completed, it will measure 39 metres at its base and rise to a height of 86.5 metres. Visitors will be able to enter the Buddha image’s lotus-shaped pedestal.”
