BY GABRIEL LIHAN & ELVINA TING
KUCHING: A total prize purse of RM27,750 will be up for grabs when the 10th Samarahan Bike Challenge rolls into action this Sunday, with more than 150 cyclists, including international riders, set to compete across eight categories.
Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the decade-old event has grown into one of Sarawak’s premier criterium cycling races, attracting riders from within the state, across Malaysia and overseas.
“The successful organisation of the Samarahan Bike Challenge over the past decade proves that it has grown into one of the cycling events that enjoys strong support from the cycling community, both within and outside Sarawak,” he said during a press conference at the Mulu Meeting Room, Baitulmakmur Building II today.
The race, organised by the Samarahan District Office, will take place on Jun 28 in front of The Summer Shopping Mall. It is supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, and organised in collaboration with the Sarawak Cycling Association (SCA).
Abdul Karim said the Sarawak government remained committed to developing cycling by providing platforms for young riders to progress to higher levels, in line with its vision of making the state a regional sporting hub.
“The Sarawak government will continue to support sports development as a platform to nurture young cyclists to reach greater heights.
“We want to make Sarawak a sports powerhouse and a regional sports hub by developing the next generation of riders,” he said.
He added that events such as the Samarahan Bike Challenge also contribute to the local economy by boosting sports tourism.
This year’s edition features eight categories: Men’s Open, Sarawak Closed, Master A, Master B, Junior, Youth Men, Youth Women and Women’s Open. The organisers have also reinstated the Master A and Master B categories, replacing the Veteran category contested in recent editions.
A total of 153 cyclists had registered as of today (Jun 26), with registration remaining open until Jun 27.
The field includes riders from Indonesia, Canada and New Zealand, adding an international flavour to this year’s race.
Abdul Karim welcomed the participation of young cyclists in the Youth Men and Youth Women categories, describing it as an encouraging sign for the future of cycling development in Sarawak.
He also urged all participants to comply with race regulations and prioritise safety throughout the competition.
Also present at the event were Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP) Morshidi Frederick, Samarahan Deputy District Officer Rais Ahmat and SCA president Irawan Sudarsono.
