Thousands of local and foreign bikers will pedal around some of Hong Kong’s landmarks in the city’s first Cyclothon on October 10 and 11, an event that aims to attract new kinds of tourists. For the first time, some participants will be allowed to cycle on the iconic Tsing Ma Bridge. While some are training hard to win a podium place, others are focused only on taking in the views during the race. Participating cyclists in the 35-kilometre Challenge Ride will have the rare chance to take a return trip from Tsim Sha Tsui to Ma Wan, cycling along the West Kowloon Highway, Stonecutters Bridge and Tsing Ma Bridge, with panoramic views of Victoria Harbour and Ma Wan. International competition Cycling is suitable for any age. Franco Chu, aged 14, is one of the youngest Cyclothon participants. He is now a member of the Hong Kong cycling team and will join the Men’s Open Race. He is keen to compete with international cyclists, and Hong Kong's former triathlete Lee Chi-wo. Myriad categories to attract more cyclists Hong Kong’s first Cyclothon has nine categories, including the International Criterium Race, Men’s and Women’s Open Races, 35km Challenge Ride, and Family Fun Ride. Retired Hong Kong women’s cycling champion Jamie Wong will also participate, adding to the excitement. The Tourism Board organised the event with the aim of attracting more overseas visitors. Its Board Event & Product Development General Manager Mason Hung said research from the board showed that cycling was popular and could be a new source of tourists. Most participants are from a middle to high income bracket, he says, the target market segment for Hong Kong. International exposure Mr Hung hopes overseas media can be drawn to cover the event, and he believes they would also cover the other facets of Hong Kong, to boost the city’s international exposure. He added the Tourism Board plans to make the Cyclothon an annual event that will attract participant and spectator numbers that rival those of the annual Standard Chartered Marathon. This year, that event attracted more than 70,000 participants for all its races. The two-day Cyclothon kicks off on October 10 in the evening as professional riders embark on night races through the streets of Kowloon. Casual races begin the next morning. Spectators can enjoy the Cyclothon's free weekend carnival at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza on the picturesque Tsim Sha Tsui harbor front. For more details, visit the Tourism Board website.

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