4,496 join RHB Shimano Highway Ride
KAJANG: The fifth edition of the RHB Shimano Highway Ride, Malaysia’s No. 1 closed highway night cycling challenge, saw 4,496 cyclists taking part in the annual event last Saturday.
The ride was a collaboration between RHB Banking Group and Shimano, which are title sponsors, and Lebuhraya KajangSeremban Sdn Bhd, which was the venue sponsor.
This year’s event attracted cycling enthusiasts from 24 countries — Australia, Brunei, Canada, Cambodia, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iran, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, the Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Works Ministry deputy secretary general Datuk Abdul Razak Jaafar flagged off the cyclists at the Kajang Selatan Toll Plaza, LEKAS E21.
The Terengganu Cycling Team (TSG) members, who are newlyappointed ambassadors of the RHB Shimano Highway Ride, led the way for the 120km route, setting the pace for the other cyclists.
The 120km route was flagged off at 8.00pm, followed by the 78km route at 8.15pm. A total of 1,514 cyclists took part in the 120km route, while 2,724 cyclists joined the 78km route.
RHB Banking Group group managing director Datuk Khairussaleh Ramli said: “This year’s RHB Shimano Highway Ride @ LEKAS is back bigger and with greater impact. The number of cycling enthusiasts, particularly in Malaysia, has increased tremendously over the past couple of years. We are pleased to see this event fast becoming a platform for cycling enthusiasts from around the world to meet and inculcate this sport among the people, especially the youth.”
“The growth of participants each year shows the increasing interest and passion in cycling. This year, we brought TSG in as the event ambassador to inspire people, especially the younger generation, to engage in cycling. It is worth putting in these efforts for the fifth consecutive year to contribute to the cycling culture in Malaysia,” said Shimano director Eugene Koh.
The Lekas highway, a dual three-lane highway which connects Kajang in Selangor to Seremban in Negri Sembilan, was closed and lit with LED lights for the event, allowing cyclists to enjoy a smooth and safe ride.
The 120km and 78 km routes started and ended at Kajang Selatan Toll Plaza.
LEKAS chief operating officer Wan Salwani Wan Yusoff said: “We are thrilled to once again be involved in this unique community event, where everyone rides into the night on the LEKAS Highway, which is closed and made safe for them. We look forward to inspiring people of all ages to pick up cycling.
“We have been supporting this event since 2013 as we believe cycling is a fun and simple way for people to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Sports is a cornerstone of IJM’s corporate social responsibility initiative and mass sporting events like these allow us to make the best use of our infrastructure assets and to give back to the people.”
The competitive rides for the cycling event featured the 120km and the 78km routes. The 120km route was divided into a few categories: Men and Women Open (for those aged 22 and above), Veteran Men (for men aged 45 and above) and the Corporate/Open Team (men and women aged 22 and above).
The 78km was also divided into three catogories: Men and Women Open (those aged 22 and above), Veteran Men (for those aged 45 and above), and Young Adults (for those between the ages of 17 and 21).
The winner of the 120km Men Open category was Mustazlee Ishak, and the 120km Veteran Men was won by Tsen Seong Hoong.
The 120km Women Open was won by Chelsie, while the Lekas Team won the 120km Corporate/ Open Team category.
The 78km Men Open was won by Ng Yong Li, while the 78km Veteran Men was won by Liew Kuan Lim. For the 78km Women Open, Mariana Mohammad came in first, while Muhammad Abdul Hisham and Chan Mun Yi won the 78km Young Adults (Boys) and 78km Young Adults (Girls).
There was also a Fun Ride for teenagers (ages 13 to 16 years) and children (ages 10 to 12 years). These categories were sponsored by IJM with the aim to nurture new talents and promote cycling as a sport for all.