Big race for cyclothon spots

The cyclothon is riding high as all 5,000 places have been snapped up, organizer the Tourism Board says.

The biggest cycling event in Hong Kong is making a comeback on December 18 after a four-year suspension due to anti-fugitive protests and the pandemic.

"The non-racing 30km and 50km rides of the Sun Hung Kai Properties Hong Kong Cyclothon have all been filled - we would like to thank everyone for their support," the board said on Facebook yesterday, just one day after online registration started.

Cyclists on the 50-kilometer route will start in Tsim Sha Tsui east and go through Tsing Ma, Ting Kau and Stonecutters bridges as well as Cheung Tsing, Nam Wan and Eagle's Nest tunnels before ending back in Tsim Sha Tsui.

Those who have not taken part in the Cyclothon before will have to pass a skills test.

Cyclists are not required to wear a mask during the race, but they must have received three Covid vaccine jabs.

They are also required to show negative in a PCR test within 48 hours of the event and get a negative result in a rapid test on the day.