Members of the public who have never joined the Hong Kong Cyclothon can take the skill test for qualifying to participate in the event and experience the appeal of Hong Kong’s large-scale cycling event
On the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has announced the organisation of the Hong Kong Cyclothon on December 18, with routes passing by major routes, landmarks in six districts. It marks the return of the “Sun Hung Kai Properties Hong Kong Cyclothon”, the largest outdoor sports event in town.
A press statement says that now cyclists can once again enjoy a ride on the three-tunnel, three-bridge route that is rarely open to cyclists, and speed along the magnificent Tsing Ma Bridge, Ting Kau Bridge, Stonecutters Bridge and other landmark infrastructure across six districts, while appreciating the scenic city view and embracing the exclusive experience of cycling on major traffic routes. The statement adds that members of the public who have never joined the Hong Kong Cyclothon can take the skill test for qualifying to participate in the event and experience the appeal of Hong Kong’s large-scale cycling event.
“After a four-year hiatus, we are extremely happy to bring back the ‘Hong Kong Cyclothon’ as the largest outdoor sports event in town since the fifth wave of COVID-19 outbreak with exciting routes covering many of the city’s iconic landmarks across six districts. Even major routes across Hong Kong will become part of the event routes that offer participants a rare and magnificent view of Victoria Harbour from a different perspective as they dash along the routes. The HKTB welcomes the public to join the event and experience the joy of cycling in the city. Through this event, we hope to showcase Hong Kong’s appeal in sports events and the city’s vibrant facets to mainland and global travellers to entice them to visit Hong Kong and join the event in person in the future,” says Pang Yiu-kai, HKTB Chairman.
Sun Hung Kai Properties (SHKP) continues to be the title and charity sponsor of the Hong Kong Cyclothon this year. “As a signature event celebrating the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland, the ‘Sun Hung Kai Properties Hong Kong Cyclothon’ is particularly meaningful this year, as it also marks the 50th anniversary of SHKP’s public listing in Hong Kong. The public has keenly anticipated the return of this mega sports event after undergoing pandemic restrictions for more than two years. Thanks to the planning of the Hong Kong Tourism Board and the full support of the government, I eagerly hope that the Cyclothon becomes a territory-wide event to be enjoyed by the public and would fulfil the goal of ‘developing Hong Kong into a centre for major international sports events’ as stated in the latest policy address of the Chief Executive,” says SHKP Executive Director Adam Kwok.
“In addition to promoting Sports for Charity through the Cyclothon, SHKP actively supports the promotion of the popularization of sports and nurtures young people to develop their talents in the field of sports, including establishing the SHKP Cycling Academy, sponsoring the SHKP Supernova Cycling Team, and staging the Sun Hung Kai Properties Heung Yuen Wai Road Cycling Race in mid- November. I look forward to seeing many of Hong Kong’s cycling enthusiasts at the two events in November and December,’’ adds Kwok.
Six key events to share the joy of riding
With a tentative quota of 3,000, the “Sun Hung Kai Properties Hong Kong Cyclothon” is the largest cycling event in Hong Kong, with six event categories, ranging from leisure rides to professional races, which are suitable for cyclists of all levels. These include:
50 km ride and 30 km ride
The 50 km ride and 30 km Ride are open to public participation this year. Participants in the 50 km ride can test themselves on the round-trip three-tunnel, three-bridge route starting in East Tsim Sha Tsui, passing by the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, the International Commerce Centre (ICC) and other iconic landmarks, riding over Tsing Ma Bridge, Ting Kau Bridge, Stonecutters Bridge, Cheung Tsing Tunnel, Nam Wan Tunnel and the Eagle’s Nest Tunnel.
The statement says that visitors should not miss the chance to ride on the Tsing Ma Bridge, the world-renowned road-and-rail duo traffic suspension bridge, which is open to cyclists only on the event day, and enjoy the scenic skyline as you battle the wind along the Bridge. Cyclists may even catch a glimpse of the breathtaking sunrise on the way back if the weather is fine, it adds.
Likewise, the 30 km ride also covers various local landmarks, passing by many of the city’s skyscrapers and green hills. Cyclists can also try their skills on Stonecutters Bridge, enjoying the picturesque harbour views while immersing themselves in the joy of cycling.
Men’s Open Race, Women’s Open Race and Team Time Trial
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR, the event this year will stage a Men’s Open race, a Women’s Open race and a Team Time Trial in East Tsim Sha Tsui, with professional cyclists competing against each other for the HKSAR 25th Anniversary Trophy. Members of the public can witness up close the professional cyclists in action and experience the thrill of bikes flying before their eyes, says the press release.
CEO Charity and Celebrity Ride
The HKTB will invite respected personalities and celebrities to take part in a criterium on Salisbury Road to experience the joy of cycling amid the urban hustle and bustle and promote the sports of cycling in Hong Kong. All registration fees will be donated to charity, and the celebrities will contribute their donations and efforts for a good cause as they live up to the sportsmanship spirit, says the statement.
