Sun Hung Kai Properties : Hong Kong Cyclothon Returns in September with the Biggest Scale and Line-up Ever

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) will stage the Sun Hung Kai Properties Hong Kong Cyclothon for the second year on 25 September 2016. As the anchor event of Hong Kong Sports Month, this year's cycling event is the biggest ever of its kind in Hong Kong, welcoming cyclists from Hong Kong and all over the world.

A highly international line-up racing on a course with three tunnels and three bridges

The Sun Hung Kai Properties Hong Kong Cyclothon features four races and five cycling activities this year, many of which have been enhanced by a range of brand-new elements:

• International Criterium: More top cyclists and teams from Hong Kong and overseas have been invited to compete in this race, including Lampre-Merida, a celebrated UCI World Team, which has confirmed its participation. The route for the race has been slightly modified and improved by reducing the number of turning points to allow high-speed racing and a strong finish.
• Challenge Ride: This route has been extended to 50km, covering six districts. It is the first cycling activity in Hong Kong to feature three tunnels and three bridges, and the new Ting Kau Bridge and Eagle's Nest Tunnel sections will add challenge and excitement to the ride. The quota will also be increased in view of the enthusiastic response from the public.
• Community Ride: This route has been extended to 30km to include the testing Stonecutters Bridge.

Dr Peter Lam, Chairman of the HKTB, said: 'The extended route will cover a number of iconic buildings and main roads in Hong Kong, and is expected to draw a greater number of avid cyclists from around the globe. We look forward to showcasing the city's scenic views to a bigger international audience through local and overseas coverage of the event. The Sun Hung Kai Properties Hong Kong Cyclothon is the anchor event of the HKTB's Hong Kong Sports Month, during which a series of sports mega events, including the FIA Formula E - Hong Kong ePrix and Hong Kong Tennis Open, will be promoted as a bundle to draw visitors to Hong Kong. By attracting them to these exciting sports events, we hope to generate more business for Hong Kong companies.'

Again this year, Sun Hung Kai Properties Limited (SHKP) is the title and charity sponsor of the Hong Kong Cyclothon. Mr Mike Wong, Executive Director and Deputy Managing Director of Sun Hung Kai Properties Limited, said: 'As the title and charity sponsor, SHKP hopes to put on an authentic Hong Kong cycling event for locals and visitors to spread the spirit of 'exercise for good' for a healthy, sustainable culture and lifestyle. Extra SHKP contributions brought the total donation last year to over HK$3.1 million for child and youth services, and our effort will continue this year. Cycling brings benefits to the body and mind and offers a wonderful opportunity for families and friends to exercise while appreciating pleasant scenery, or even take part in teams. I hope everyone will support the event and fully enjoy this worthwhile sport regardless of how they participate.'

Enhancements made to improve the event's arrangements

Drawing from experience in the first Hong Kong Cyclothon last year, the HKTB has made a number of enhancements to improve the experience for all cyclists and minimise disturbance to the public. The enhancements include the following:

Cycling arrangements

• The starting time between the Challenge Ride and Community Ride will be lengthened from 30 minutes last year to 2 hours and 45 minutes this year to avoid overcrowding.
• The HKTB will provide cyclists with comprehensive information and safety guidelines ahead of time to ensure a smooth-running event.
• Clearer directions will be given at the venue and during the races for the benefit of all cyclists.

Traffic and road arrangements

• The event will start earlier than last year to make sure the roads can be re-opened as scheduled to minimise the inconvenience to other road users. The Tsing Ma Bridge will re-open at 8am that morning.
• Signage will be placed at the access points to the temporarily closed roads to provide adequate directions to other road users.
• The HKTB will announce the road closure and traffic diversion routes through various means so that other road users can plan their travel arrangements in advance.

Online registration opens to the public on 27 June 2016

Online registration (http://register.hongkongcyclothon.com) for the Sun Hung Kai Properties Hong Kong Cyclothon will start at 10am on 27 June 2016 (Monday). The quota is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. To ensure safety, all participants, except for racing members of the Cycling Association of Hong Kong, China Limited, members of recognised cycling associations and those who have taken part in similar races (including the Sun Hung Kai Properties Hong Kong Cyclothon 2015), are required to pass a cycling technique assessment by the organiser to be qualified for any race or other cycling activity.

Cycling for a good cause

This year's event will maintain its charitable element. Part of the enrolment fee from the various activities (Individual: HK$100, Team Time Trial: HK$600 and 50km Team Challenge Ride: HK$5,000) and all the enrolment fees from the CEO Charity Ride will be donated to charity.