Cyclothon back in the saddle after five-year suspension

Stacy Shi

Cyclists can gear up for the Sun Hung Kai Properties Hong Kong Cyclothon on October 22 as the road race returns after a five-year suspension.

For those who wish to participate can register from next Wednesday until September 12.

The event this year will feature the UCI Class 1.1 road race after being suspended for five years, where around 100 top racers from across the world will compete against the backdrop of Victoria Harbour.

The race will be held along Salisbury Road, Mody Lane, Mody Road, Science Museum Road and Hung Hom Bypass in Tsim Sha Tsui. With more than 10 world-class teams competing together, it would be an ideal opportunity for people to enjoy the road race.

Riders from the Greater Bay Area will also be invited to compete in the open races, which could strengthen ties and foster exchanges among young people in Hong Kong and other cities in the GBA, said the sponsor company's executive director Adam Kwok Kai-fai.

The event will start with a 50km ride at 5.20am, where cyclists will pass through six districts, including three bridges - Tsing Ma Bridge, Ting Kau Bridge, Stonecutters Bridge, and three tunnels - Cheung Tsing Tunnel, Nam Wan Tunnel, and Eagle's Nest Tunnel - before returning to Tsim Sha Tsui.

The following 30km group will ride along the Stonecutters Bridge and pass through the International Commerce Centre to enjoy the beautiful views of the city.

Considering the race schedule and road closure arrangements, the enrollments of both categories are set at 5,200 in total. Registration will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

First-time joiners or who have only participated in 2017 or before are required to take a free cycling technique assessment on September 16, 17, or 23.

They will only have to pay for the registration after passing the test.

Children aged six or above can enjoy leisure cycling along with their parents by participating in the 1km Family Fun Ride on Salisbury Road.

Road closures will be carried out in phases from 1am on the day of the event. The upper deck of the Tsing Ma Bridge will be closed and reopened at 7.15am. Other road closures will be lifted in batches from 9am, while roads in Tsim Sha Tsui East will be reopened before 6pm.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board will announce relevant information on road closures and diversions in advance to facilitate the public's travel plans.

"The HKTB will proactively promote Hong Kong's reputation as Asia's event hub in the mainland and South Asia and attract more cycling enthusiasts to enjoy the city's dynamic and diversified travel experiences," said the board's chairman Pang Yiu-kai.

Kwok called on participants to make a charitable donation of HK$100 to HK$500 while registering for the event.

He added that the HK$1.6 million raised for charity from last year's cyclothon has been donated to the Community Chest to support the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases and primary healthcare services for patients suffering from the diseases.