By Wynna Wong
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University students from mainland China and overseas will be among the 6,000 riders invited to join Hong Kong’s annual Cyclothon, which is returning in November.
“The Hong Kong Cyclothon is a prime example of our city’s growing importance on the global sports stage,” said Tourism Board Chairman Peter Lam Kin-ngok on Friday.
“It offers a unique cycling experience that showcases our ability to blend sport with tourism.”
Registration for the Sun Hung Kai Properties Hong Kong Cyclothon will open on Saturday, with the board also inviting a diverse range of cyclists to participate in the events on November 30.
This year, a World University Trophy will be introduced for the 32km (19.8 miles) ride, with Lam explaining that it aimed to blend sport, tourism and cultural exchange “by welcoming cyclists from universities in Hong Kong, mainland China and overseas.”
A board spokesperson added that participants would include students from some of the “top 100 global institutions”, but organisers were still in the process of inviting them. The names of specific schools would be announced in due course.
The Cyclothon will also feature new routes for its professional races.
City Cycling Challenge around Greater Bay Area (Hong Kong) will debut a more demanding course in a change from the traditional circuit format in Tsim Sha Tsui.
The men’s 30km race will take riders through four districts on a “two tunnels, two bridges” course, while the women’s 8km route will follow the West Kowloon Highway, passing landmarks such as the Hong Kong Space Museum and the International Commerce Centre (ICC).
Meanwhile, the Family Fun Ride and the CEO Charity and Celebrity Ride will be held along a new waterfront route in the West Kowloon Cultural District.
The area will also host a Cyclothon Carnival, offering a day of music and sporting performances including bike acrobatics, live music, dancing and interactive sports zones.
All registration fees from the Family Fun and Celebrity Charity rides will be donated to the Community Chest of Hong Kong.
“We’re promoting fitness for all and driving the development of local sports,” said Adam Kwok Kai-fai, executive director of Sun Hung Kai Properties.
He added that last year’s donation, combined with his company’s contributions, totalled HK$1.55 million (US$198,995).
The event, which began in 2015, includes two main races – the 50km and 32km rides – along with a 1km Family Fun Ride, consisting of a loop around the West Kowloon Cultural District.
The Hong Kong stop of the Greater Bay Area races started in 2023.
