Breeze for HZMB cycling test but travelers want a better heads-up

Ayra Wang

A road cycling test for next year's National Games - which was also the very first race on the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge - went smoothly, says Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung Yun-hung.

Hong Kong, Macau and Zhuhai authorities jointly hosted yesterday's men's individual race, which spanned 230 kilometers across the three cities.

Yeung said the race started in Zhuhai at 9am as scheduled, and that it took cyclists one hour and 18 minutes to complete the Hong Kong segment - faster than initially estimated.

"The test event was to fully prepare for the National Games and routes, security, cross-border procedures, emergency and medical services - the whole procedure - was smooth," Yeung said.

He said 67 cyclists participated and three failed to complete the Hong Kong section, but there were no untoward incidents.

The distance for the Hong Kong section spanned 55.8km.

The pack entered Hong Kong via HZMB, traveling along the North Lantau Highway and passing through Hong Kong Disneyland Resort before returning to HZMB via the same route.

However, some cross-border travelers had to wait for hours at the Hong Kong port of the bridge, which was closed for six hours to accommodate the test event, and nearly 1,000 visitors were lined up at the port after it resumed operation at 12.30pm.

A resident named Chan, who took a bus from Hong Kong Island to the port, said she was unaware of the closure until she got on the bus, and called for more public notices from the government.

Responding to the complaint, Yeung said the government will enhance publicity and asked for understanding as the event is significant and will not be held frequently.

Yeung also said the event will enhance sports exchanges between Hong Kong and other cities in the Greater Bay Area and that the government will review relevant arrangements with Zhuhai and Macau authorities. The race concluded at around 2.30pm in Zhuhai, with Hao Ran from Inner Mongolia winning the championship.

Hong Kong Olympian Vincent Lau Wan-yau said riding across the GBA was "fresh and unique."

Hundreds of residents and tourists also cheered the cyclists from the viewing zone on the footpath outside Disneyland. A mainland tourist said he visited Hong Kong specifically for the test race and that he will return to the city with his family and friends next year to watch the National Games.

ayra.wang@singtaonewscorp.com