The Tour of Sarawak 2016 or TOS16 will be the first official cycling race in Borneo and will take place from March 16 to 20. This inaugural international cycling race is looking at attraction over 1 million people here in Borneo.
The race, themed ‘Race Close To Nature’ involves nine locations around Sarawak Borneo which include Miri, Bintulu, Sibu, Sarikei, Betong, Sri Aman, Serian, Sematan and Kuching.
Tour of Sarawak
The Tour of Sarawak will involve a total distance of 787.5 kilometres, participated by 20 teams for the overall, Mountain King, Sprint King and Malaysian Rider titles respectively.
As for the teams participating, Malaysia is expected to send four teams including a special team from Sarawak to compete with those from Great Britain, Japan, South Korea, China, Australia, Iran, South Africa, the Philippines and Hong Kong among others.
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| Cyclist at one of the tours in Malaysia |
The Sarawak bicycle race will be held over five days from Miri to Kuching spanning 814 kilometres and the Tour of Sarawak 2016 is sanctioned by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) as a 2.2 race and part of the UCI Asia Tour calendar.
During this tour, the overall champion (race leader) will wear a yellow jersey and King of the Mountain will use the red jersey. Sprint champion will be accorded the blue jersey while the best Malaysian rider will spot a pink jersey.
During this tour, the overall champion (race leader) will wear a yellow jersey and King of the Mountain will use the red jersey. Sprint champion will be accorded the blue jersey while the best Malaysian rider will spot a pink jersey.
Tour of Sarawak 2016 Stages
• Miri-Bintulu
• Bintulu-Sibu
• Sarikei-Betong
• Sri Aman-Serian
• Serian-Kuching
The race will start from Miri and end in Kuching while the organisers anticipate a lively response from the locals and tourists, as there are various programs that we will put in place during the carnival held throughout the tour.
Among the activities are exhibitions and events by various government agencies during the tour;
• Bermukun Competition
• Busking Competition
• TOS16 Mini Race
• Jewel Kid’s Fun Race
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| The Korean cycling team which raced in Malaysia previously |
Any local or international team can ask for an invitation to join the race, but only 20 shortlisted teams will be invited.
Any local team wants to participate should meet the MNCF requirement or contact the organisers for more information.
For more information on the Tour of Sarawak 2016;
Tour of Sarawak 2016 Website - http://www.tourofsarawak.my/
Tour of Sarawak Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/tourofsarawak/
Conclusion
The Tour of Sarawak 2016 is organised by Fadz Industries Sdn Bhd in collaboration with Rakan Bestnye Sarawak or commonly known as Rakan BN Sarawak.
For any cycling fans, be sure to book your transport and accommodations to the various places where the inaugural Sarawak bicycle race will take place.