KUCHING: Sarawak has emerged as a strong contender for regional cycling development, with veteran Indonesian cyclist Henry Setiawan praising the state’s road conditions and terrain as well-suited for elite training and future competitions.
The former SEA Games cyclist who won three gold medals during his national career said his first cycling experience in Sarawak had left a lasting impression, particularly due to the quality of roads, favourable contours and overall riding environment.
He said the smooth and well-maintained routes, combined with rolling terrain, made Sarawak suitable not only for training but also for hosting major cycling events.
“From the cleanliness, the flat and smooth roads, and the rolling terrain, everything is very good. From Aruk all the way here, the road conditions are excellent and very suitable for training, even for major competitions,” he told Sarawak Tribune when met recently.
The 57-year-old, who represented Indonesia at the SEA Games between 1989 and 1999, said Sarawak’s natural and infrastructural advantages could encourage closer cooperation between Malaysia and Indonesia through joint training programmes and organised competitions.
“This is very suitable for cooperation between the two countries, whether for training camps or championships. It can benefit both sides,” he said.
Setiawan, who began cycling competitively at the age of 17, has spent more than four decades in the sport and comes from a family deeply rooted in cycling. His mother, sibling, wife and child have all competed in the sport at various levels.
Currently based in Yogyakarta, Setiawan said the recent ride marked his first formal visit to Sarawak, aimed at assessing routes and riding conditions. He also expressed interest in returning with fellow cyclists from Indonesia, including riders from Jakarta, Yogyakarta and Surabaya, citing the unique atmosphere and overall experience.
“For a first attempt, everything exceeded expectations. The environment feels different and very attractive for cycling,” he said.
Sharing advice for younger cyclists, Setiawan emphasised discipline, consistency and perseverance as key ingredients for success.
“Training must be disciplined, consistent and done with strong spirit. Don’t give up. If you stay consistent, results will come,” he said, adding that increased competition exposure would further help develop young talent.
He also noted that Sarawak’s terrain and road network offered strong potential for long-term athlete development.
“From what I see, Sarawak has the potential to develop quality human capital in cycling. The road contours and routes are already very good,” he said.
Setiawan expressed hopes for continued progress and cooperation between Malaysia and Indonesia.
“May Malaysia continue to prosper and develop. Together with Indonesia, we can grow and work hand in hand,” he said.
The Borneo Cycling Odyssey is held from Feb 9 to 11 featuring cross-border and urban routes across Sarawak, with the ride beginning at ICQS Biawak Aruk, followed by a city loop in Kuching, and concluding with a final stage to the Tebedu border via the Pan Borneo Highway, with scheduled pit stops along the route.
