The hugely popular Sun Hung Kai Properties Hong Kong Cyclothon, a major sporting event organized by the Hong Kong Tourism Board with Sun Hung Kai Properties as the title and charity sponsor, is returning this year on October 13.
Online registration (website: http://register.hongkongcyclothon.com) will be accepted from 10 a.m. on August 7 to 20 for the 50km Ride, 30km Ride, Men’s Open Race, Women’s Open Race, “Family Fun Ride” and the new “Fancy Dress Bike Party”.
Places are limited and registration is accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Increased 30km and 50km Rides quotas let more cyclists paddle on landmarks.
The entry quotas for the 50km Ride and 30km Ride will be increased this year. Featuring important landmarks and roads, the races are suitable for experienced cyclists.
50km Ride
There are 3,300 entry quotas, 200 more than last year.
The ride will again be a challenge of the “three tunnels” (Cheung Tsing Tunnel, Nam Wan Tunnel and Eagle’s Nest Tunnel) and the “three bridges” (Tsing Ma Bridge, Ting Kau Bridge and Stonecutters Bridge).
It is suitable for experienced cyclists with good speed, strength and endurance.
The route includes a number of slopes, such as the 1-km slope near Eagle’s Nest Tunnel with a gradient of 6%.
To finish the entire ride within the time limit, participants are recommended to ride at an average speed of at least 29 km/hour.
30 km Ride
There are 2,000 entry quotas, 200 more than last year.
Participants will get to cycle on Stonecutters Bridge.
The ride is suitable for cycling enthusiasts with some experience.
The gradient of Stonecutters Bridge is about 4%. It will require greater strength to paddle up in case of headwind and good bike handling skills when going down the slope.
To finish within the time limit, participants are recommended to ride at an average speed of 24km/hour or faster.
All local participants of the 50km and 30km Rides should bring their own bikes for the rides. To ensure the major roads can be reopened on schedule, participants must get to the check points before the designated cut-off times or will be asked to detour or board the broom wagon.
Except for members of recognised cycling associations and those who have taken part in similar cycling events, all registrants of the 50km Ride (Individual & Team) and 30km Ride are required to pass an assessment test for safety reasons. The assessment criteria are as follows:
New Fancy Dress Bike Party
In addition to the 50km Ride, 30km Ride, Men’s Open Race, Women’s Open Race and “Family Fun Ride”, this year’s Hong Kong Cyclothon features a new public cycling category, the “Fancy Dress Bike Party”. Participants can dress in creative costumes (helmets are always required) to enjoy a carnival-like cycling experience with their families and friends.
Hammer Series makes last stop and only Asian stop in Hong Kong
Another highlight of the 2019 event is Hammer Hong Kong, the finale of the Hammer Series. Presented by SHKP, the race will see 12 UCI WorldTour teams and other professional teams compete for the championship.
While promoting sports, SHKP, the event’s title and charity sponsor, is keen to support charitable causes. Part of the registration fees for the cycling events (HK$100 for each individual and HK$5,000 for each team in the 50km Ride) and all of the registration fees for the “CEO Charity and Celebrity Ride” (HK$15,000 for each registrant) will be donated to charity. The amount raised will be topped up by additional donations from SHKP to support the “SHKP Science & Innovation Project for the Gifted (III)”, organised by The Boys’ & Girls’ Clubs Association of Hong Kong, and services for underprivileged children and youngsters via The Community Chest of Hong Kong.
More information on the Sun Hung Kai Properties Hong Kong Cyclothon can be found on the HKTB website (http://www.discoverhongkong.com/Cyclothon).