On an all-time high

BIKE FEVER has swept through Asia in recent years and Hong Kong has certainly been no exception with the Special Administrative Region now all geared up to organise its first ever major cycling event, the “2015 Hong Kong Cyclothon”, on October 10 and 11.

 “The sport of cycling has caught on in Hong Kong in recent years, with many cyclists from the city earning international recognition. In the long run, we hope to expand the scale of the event so that it will become a major annual event in the Pearl River Delta region when the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge is completed,” says Dr Peter Lam, chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, which is organising the event.

When it comes to exploring Hong Kong’s backyard by bike, there’s no better time of year than autumn – by then clear blue skies have replaced the summer’s heavy humidity. Capitalising on the fantastic October weather, the Cyclothon plans to showcase the best of the Hong Kong’s scenery, incorporating several major landmarks into the racing routes and even opening up the imposing Tsing Ma suspension bridge to cyclists for the very first time.

It all kicks off the evening of October 10, when professional riders embark on night races through the neon-lit streets of Kowloon. Meanwhile, spectators can hang out at the Hong Kong Cyclothon’s free weekend carnival, set to take place at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza on the picturesque Tsim Sha Tsui harbour-front.

The more casual races start on the morning of October 11. Beginners and leisure bikers will enjoy the breezy 10km Community Ride, which pedals around Hong Kong’s iconic landmarks like the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, UC Centenary Garden, Hong Kong Cultural Centre and the International Commerce Centre, the tallest building in the city.

There are a total of eight cycling categories in the “Hong Kong Cyclothon”, which will be conducted over a two-day period. On October 10, four races will be held in East Tsim Sha Tsui in the evening, with professional cyclists hailing from around the world. Members of the public are welcome to enjoy the races. Participants will be professional or serious amateur cyclists for the 35km challenge ride, members of the public for the10km community ride, children aged six to 15 for the kids & youth rides, and children and parents for family fun ride.

“Rugby is a game that you can watch but cycling is a game that you can participate in, so that’s a big difference. Even a child can join in during the family cycling events,” says Wong Kam-Po, the first Chinese World Champion cyclist and winner of the 15km UCI Track World Championships in 2007. 

“Downtown has fewer roads and more cars, but if you cycle around the New Territories, you can experience Hong Kong’s culture and enjoy the greenery of the city.”

“It is the first time cyclists get to experience the Tsing Ma Bridge, even experienced riders like myself. This unique journey is a great opportunity for people to participate,” adds Jamie Wong Wan-yiu, who won the Asian Cycling Championships in 2013.

 

On You Bikes

 

- Skill tests for all overseas |participants will be held on October 9.

- Fees for the cycling races and activities is HK$100 (Bt450) |for individual and HK$18,000 (Bt81,000) for teams.

- Find out more at www.DiscoverHongKong.com/ Cyclothon.