KUCHING: The Siol International Mountain Bike Challenge (SIMBC) returns for its 2025 edition with a more prestigious staging, featuring 162 riders from seven countries including Japan, Singapore, the Philippines, Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia.
The event will take place from August 22 to 24, at the Siol Mountain Bike Track, one of the premier mountain bike trails in the region.
In a statement issued by DBKU recently, SIMBC 2025 makes history by being awarded Class 1 (C1) status by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), the world governing body for cycling.
“This recognition places SIMBC on par with world-class competitions in New Zealand, Switzerland, Spain and Austria, while also offering riders greater opportunities to collect UCI qualification points for international championships, including the Olympic Games.
“With a total prize pool of RM102,000, SIMBC 2025 also sets a record as the mountain bike championship with the highest prize offering in the history of the sport in Asia.
The championship enjoys full support from the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, playing a crucial role in elevating Sarawak as an international destination for extreme sports while boosting sports tourism and contributing to the local economy,” the statement read.
This year’s SIMBC will feature a variety of race categories, namely Cross Country Olympic (XCO) – Class 1 (C1), Downhill Individual (DHI) – Class 2 (C2), Cross Country Short Course (XCC) – Class 3 (C3), Cross Country Eliminator (XCE) – Class 3 (C3), and Cross Country Relay (XCR) – a team relay.
The 2025 edition also marks a special milestone as SIMBC celebrates its 10th anniversary as a UCI-recognised international mountain bike event.
The event aims to enhance participation in mountain biking at both local and regional levels by providing opportunities for amateur and professional riders, while fostering interest among the younger generation.
“It also seeks to provide a professional competition platform endorsed by national and international cycling bodies in line with technical and safety standards.
“At the same time, it strengthens community ties through public involvement as participants, volunteers and supporters, thereby promoting unity and a healthy lifestyle,” it added.
Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) extends its highest appreciation to all organisers, sponsors, strategic partners, volunteers and riders, whose contributions have been the backbone of SIMBC’s growth and success throughout its decade-long journey.
