Thousands of local and foreign bikers will pedal around some of Hong Kong’s landmarks in the city’s first Cyclothon on October 10 and 11, an event that aims to attract new kinds of tourists.
For the first time, some participants will be allowed to cycle on the iconic Tsing Ma Bridge. While some are training hard to win a podium place, others are focused only on taking in the views during the race.
Participating cyclists in the 35-kilometre Challenge Ride will have the rare chance to take a return trip from Tsim Sha Tsui to Ma Wan, cycling along the West Kowloon Highway, Stonecutters Bridge and Tsing Ma Bridge, with panoramic views of Victoria Harbour and Ma Wan.
Sit Hung-hei, aged 64, one of the most senior participants, is keenly looking forward to the exhilarating ride over the bridge.
“People do not have many opportunities to get close to Tsing Ma Bridge. Most people cross this bridge in a car, bus or coach. I know the view from the bridge is excellent. I want to experience how it feels to ride my bike across it. This is the first year the Tourism Board is holding this event, and I want to be part of it.”
Having the experience of running a full marathon, Mr Sit is confident that he will be able to finish the 35-kilometre cycling route. Still, he is pumping up his training to prepare for it. He goes running three times a week for three hours at a time, to train up his muscles.
Since he retired, Mr Sit has been active in different sports, and believes it is important to set personal goals after retirement.
“We should set targets for ourselves after retirement. Exercise can make us happy without having to think too much.”
International competition
Cycling is suitable for any age. Franco Chu, aged 14, is one of the youngest Cyclothon participants. He is now a member of the Hong Kong cycling team and will join the Men’s Open Race. He is keen to compete with international cyclists, and Hong Kong's former triathlete Lee Chi-wo.
“Local cycling contests are mainly for the same age groups. We do not have many chances to compete with older cyclists. The Cyclothon offers a great opportunity for us to learn from international competitors.”
Franco has won many competitions over the years. He gives credit for his success to his dad, Timothy Chu. Mr Chu will join the 35-kilometre Challenge Ride to share the Cyclothon experience with his son.
“I have been accompanying my son since he learned to cycle, and this made me like the sport, also. We always talk about topics related to cycling. This enhances our communication and brings us closer together.”
Myriad categories to attract more cyclists
Hong Kong’s first Cyclothon has nine categories, including the International Criterium Race, Men’s and Women’s Open Races, 35km Challenge Ride, and Family Fun Ride. Retired Hong Kong women’s cycling champion Jamie Wong will also participate, adding to the excitement.
The Tourism Board organised the event with the aim of attracting more overseas visitors. Its Board Event & Product Development General Manager Mason Hung said research from the board showed that cycling was popular and could be a new source of tourists.
Most participants are from a middle to high income bracket, he says, the target market segment for Hong Kong.
“Through organising the cycling event, we wish to attract this group of people to come to Hong Kong, either for sightseeing or for cycling events.”
International exposure
Mr Hung hopes overseas media can be drawn to cover the event, and he believes they would also cover the other facets of Hong Kong, to boost the city’s international exposure. He added the Tourism Board plans to make the Cyclothon an annual event that will attract participant and spectator numbers that rival those of the annual Standard Chartered Marathon. This year, that event attracted more than 70,000 participants for all its races.
The two-day Cyclothon kicks off on October 10 in the evening as professional riders embark on night races through the streets of Kowloon. Casual races begin the next morning.
Spectators can enjoy the Cyclothon's free weekend carnival at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza on the picturesque Tsim Sha Tsui harbourfront. For more details, visit the Tourism Board website.
