KUCHING: The seventh Saribas International MTB Jamboree will once again combine sport and tourism, with 180 riders set to tackle a 40.5-km course through villages, longhouses and Debak’s iconic suspension bridges on July 26.
Saribas assemblyman, Datuk Mohammad Razi Sitam, said the annual event continues to grow in popularity, attracting participants from Malaysia and overseas while promoting Debak as a destination for outdoor sports and rural tourism.
“It is a very positive development that we are able to attract participants from outside the country. This shows that Saribas is gaining recognition as a destination for mountain biking and outdoor activities,” he said.
This year’s field includes 28 riders from Indonesia, three from Brunei, and two from South Africa, alongside participants from Sabah, West Malaysia and Sarawak.
A total prize purse of RM28,000 will be contested across 12 categories.
Razi said the route has been enhanced with new sections made possible by recently completed farm roads, offering riders a mix of concrete, gravel and dirt trails through villages, plantations and three longhouses.
One of the race’s highlights remains Debak’s suspension bridges, which continue to be preserved despite the construction of modern road links.
“We want to retain these suspension bridges because they are part of Debak’s history and identity. They provide a unique experience for riders while preserving our heritage,” he told Sarawak Tribune when met recently.
He added that three of the district’s five suspension bridges have been upgraded, while works on the remaining two are ongoing.
The MTB Jamboree will be held alongside the Saribas Regatta at Kampung Mangut, giving visitors the opportunity to enjoy both sporting and cultural attractions over the same weekend.
Apart from the regatta, visitors can also experience local delicacies, including the area’s well-known fish dishes, while entertainment programmes are being planned to add to the festivities.
Razi expressed confidence that the event would continue to strengthen sports tourism in Saribas and boost the local economy through increased visitor arrivals.
