Pedals to the metal

HONG KONG Cyclothon, the biggest cycling event of its kind in the city, was back last Sunday for its second year and while it was bigger and better than the inaugural event, organisers admit that more work needs to be done to make it more international. 

“Sporting events in general seem to be gaining popularity across Asia and the rest of the world,” commented Simon Wong, regional director of Hong Kong Tourism Board, Southeast Asia. 

“The cyclothon is the largest-ever road-cycling event in the city’s history. This year’s cyclothon is the anchor event of the ‘Hong Kong Sports Month’, which features a series of world-class sports events that aim to promote us as the sporting capital of Asia.

 “We reviewed public feedback from last year and this time round put a lot of extra effort into traffic and road closure arrangements so as to minimise the impact on road users and the public. We also set cut-off times for slow riders to ensure the roads would be re-opened on schedule.”

The second year of the cycling marathon drew a much larger participation than the first, with 4,600 cyclists compared to 3,600 in 2015 taking part in nine categories – four races and five cycling activities. The biggest event, the International Criterium, attracted 25 international teams and 200 elite cyclists.

“The International Criterium has now been recognised by Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and we worked closely with professional sports consultants in organising the race. The Hong Kong Tourism Board will continue to develop the Hong Kong Cyclothon, with emphasis on inviting more world-class professional cyclists to come and participate in the race,” Wong says.

Spread over two days last year, the 2016 event was merged into one with the designation of 50- and 30-kilometre cycling routes. Both rides began in Salisbury Road in Tsim Sha Tsui with the 50km route going from Tsim Sha Tsui to Cheung Tsing tunnel and Ting Kau Bridge in Kwai Chung, Tsing Ma Bridge and Nam Wan Tunnel in Tsing Yi, and Stonecutters Bridge and Eagle’s Nest Tunnel in Kowloon West then back again. Cyclists taking part of the 30 km ride turned back at Stonecutters Bridge.

“Covering six districts, the 50km ride is the first cycling activity in Hong Kong to feature three tunnels and three bridges. We had 2,300 local and overseas cyclists registering to participate in the 50km ride and 1,500 for 30km ride. The race routes were extended this year, adding excitement for the cyclists. We wanted to cover Hong Kong’s iconic landmarks and give the opportunity to riders to enjoy the scenery along the route. During the planning stage, we held discussions and cooperated closely with various government departments such as the Transport Department and Hong Kong Police Force in order to strike a balance between further enhancement of the routes and safety,” says Wong.

William Hui, co-founder of Velo 6, Hong Kong’s first cycling caf้, was enthusiastic about the marathon. 

“We have many more participants this year, which is great,” he told XP the day before the race. “Lots of local cycling groups and international riders are in Hong Kong for the 50 km event. And we are really excited at being able to experience three tunnels and three bridges. We’re never allowed to ride the bridges and the highway that links them. They are usually closed to cyclists. So this is a rare opportunity for local cyclists to experience Hong Kong at a speed that allows them to admire the scenery.”

The visitors also enjoyed the route. Said Slovenian Matej Mohoric of the Lampre-Merida team: “I really enjoyed the criterium today. I liked the course because it was quite technical and I really loved the atmosphere. I’ve really enjoyed my experience in Hong Kong. It is my first time in such a big city and perhaps I will come back one day for a vacation.”

Mohoric completed the 69-kilometre Tsim Sha Tsui circuit in one hour 28 minutes 21 seconds, beating his Danish challenger by less than a second.

Cycling has really taken off among Hong Kong residents in recent years, the HKTB regional director told XP.

“The cyclothon reflects the growing popularity of cycling in the region, both as a sport and as a healthy lifestyle option. Hong Kong is enjoying a real boom in cycling – both in terms of casual riding to stay in shape and the more demanding road racing and mountain biking. 

“One of the city’s top sports stars is cyclist Wai Sze Lee, also known as Sarah Lee, a two-time gold medallist in the Asian Games, who won bronze in the Keirin in London in 2012. She is doing very well at the international level and is very popular with Hong Kongers. Cheung King Lok is another of our local cycling heros.” 

“Marco Kwok and Jamie Wong have been winning all medals at international games like Sarah,” caf้ founder Hui adds. “Awareness of cycling is getting better and better. When you visit the Central district, you see us. When you visit a new territory, you see a cycling lane. 

“We are the first cycling caf้ run by real cyclists. We hope we can stimulate other people to set up projects like bicycle caf้s, mobile trucks and a bicycle shop. Business is booming. We also advocate for custom bicycles. Building your own custom bicycle is a lot of fun.”