600 cyclists for KK Century Race Nov 18
The Kota Kinabalu Century Cycling Race will return for its sixth edi on come Sunday (November 18), promising yet another challenging experience for riders.
KOTA KINABALU: The Kota Kinabalu Century Cycling Race will return for its sixth edition come Sunday (November 18), promising yet another challenging experience for riders.
Organised by the Cycling Association of Kota Kinabalu (CAKK), close to 600 entries have been received for the race that will feature nine categories and a special VIPs 12km Fun Ride.
Organising chairman-cumpresident of CAKK Eric Ye said prize money totalling RM13,950 would be up for grabs from the nine race categories.
“The race is organised by us, a group of volunteers with day jobs. It’s very tiring but it is well worth the effort because the event is getting bigger each year.
“We protray our event as an international race because we have riders from other countries participating, including from China last year.
“They (China cyclists) will not be around this year but we still have participants from Brunei, who have around 200 cyclists coming in which is an increase from around half of last year.
“All in all we have close to 600 riders this year,” he told reporters during a press conference here late Monday.
The categories are Road races for Men Elite Open (120km), Men Veteran 40 & above (120km), Women Open (120km) and Road Junior Boys 13-18 years (95km).
The Mountain Bike (MTB) are Men Elite Open (95km), Men Veteran 40 & above (95km), Women Open (75km), Junior Boys 13-18 years (75km) and Women Veteran 40 & above (50km).
The top five finishers in all nine categories will receive prize money.
As for the VIPs fun ride, the organisers have invited Chief Minister Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal and Deputy Home Minister Datuk Azis Jamman but are still waiting for replies.
CAKK secretary Patrick Wong added the race routes from the past two edition had been retained for Sunday’s race.
Flag-off will be done at the parking compound of Kota Kinabalu Sports Complex in Likas near here starting 7am before the participants ride along the Coastal Road to Sepanggar towards Serusop and Topokon, Tuaran and back.
“The route encompassess a scenic seafront coastal area, through villages and challenging Topokon hills with the majestic Mount Kinabalu in the background.
“Some of the top riders from Sabah such as Jr Stanly Jalip, Niklos Minol and Natahsya Soon will be competing and of course the Brunei riders also include their national athletes,” he said.
The cut-off time for the race is five hours and the prize presentation is expected at 1pm at finish line at the sports complex car park.
Towards this end, CAKK thanked all who have contributed towards the staging of the race.