Saturday August 11, 2012

Riding on Malaysia Day

By FARIK ZOLKEPLI
farik@thestar.com.my Photos by ZABIDI TUSIN

KUALA TERENGGANU: Some 1,000 cyclists are expected to take part in the inaugural Terengganu Century Ride (TCR).

Terengganu Tourism, Cultural and, Arts and Heritage committee chairman Datuk Abdul Rahin Mohd Said said that the competition would be held on Sept 16, in conjunction with Malaysia Day.

“The cyclists will go through a 160km-course, which will begin and end at Dataran Syahbandar here.

“The whole race is expected to finish within eight hours,” he said after launching the TCR event at Permai Hotel here, recently.

A 160km cour se: Abdul Rahin (right) officiating the Terengganu Century Ride event. Also present were (from left) Terengganu Pro- Asia Cycling Team chairman Datuk Ahmad Sidik Ismail and Permai Hotel general maneral Azman Ali.

Abdul Rahin hoped that local and international cyclists would take part in the competition.

“Prior to the event, the state government will be organising a carnival between Sept 12 and Sept 16.

“We hope the people will show their support,” he said.

Meanwhile, TCR event director Zulkarnain Shah said some 500 cyclists have confirmed their participation.

“We are confident there will be at least 1,000 participants and we are delighted that racers from the Terengganu Cycling Team will also take part,” he said.

Zulkaranain explained that the race would be divided into four categories — Men Above 18, Men Veteran (aged between 40 and 49), Men 50 Years and Above and Women Above 18.

Briefing: Abdul Rahin (second left) speaking to members of the media after launching the TCR event at Permai Hotel. Flanking him are (from left) Permai Hotel general maneral Azman Ali, Terengganu Pro-Asia Cycling Team chairman Datuk Ahmad Sidik Ismail and TCR event director Zulkarnain Shah.

“Every racer that is able to compete the race within the time given will receive a certificate and medal.

“The first 10 racers to finish the race will receive trophies,” he said.

He added that each contestant would be required to pay a RM100 registration fee.

The closing date is Aug 30.

For moredetails, log on to http://terengganucenturyride.blogspot.com/