KUCHING: The Layar Cycling Carnival returns from August 29 to 31, 2025, with its toughest route yet, as teams from West Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei compete for RM51,260 in prizes.
This year’s event, organised by Public Works Department (JKR) Betong and SABERKAS Layar, features a 102-kilometre road race with tough climbs and descents, which riders call the ‘Dragon’s Back’ route for its challenging hills.
Among the objectives are to discover new cycling talents, promote Layar as a sports tourism destination, and encourage a healthy lifestyle through cycling.
Sarawak Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development’s Deputy Minister, Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, said the carnival will feature criterium races attracting both national-level teams and amateur riders from Malaysia and the region.
“We expect no fewer than last year’s 337 participants, and we’re already hearing interest from international teams.
“This is more than just a race; it’s a key event in Sarawak’s sports tourism calendar,” Rentap said during a press conference held at Baitulmakmur Building II on Friday.
Top teams set to compete include TSG Cycling Academy, teams from Brunei and Indonesia, as well as Sarawak-based squads like Sonamu, Pro Apparel, and SSC Development Team.
Beyond the race, the event will feature food fairs, community sports, cultural shows, and longhouse homestays for visitors.
Additionally, Rentap expressed optimism that ongoing road upgrades will pave the way for even more ambitious routes in future editions of the carnival.
He said there are plans to extend the race distance beyond 100 kilometres over the next three years.
“Held over the Merdeka weekend, we hope this carnival will attract families and enthusiasts alike.
“We’ve noticed that sometimes a participant’s child eventually becomes a rider too; so cycling truly brings families together,” he added.
Registration opens on June 1, with fees set at RM110 (standard), RM90 (early bird until July 5), and RM30 (youth), and closes on August 9.
Also present were JKR Betong Divisional Engineer, Jason Ng; event chairman, James Agat, from Saberkas Layar; and Zamri Dollah and Seiji Borhan from ZASS Events.
