In the vibrant heart of Hong Kong, as the city stirred from its slumber, a spectacular saga of cycling unfolded. The 2023 Hong Kong Cyclothon, a tapestry of seven high-energy cycling events and international battles, painted the streets with its drama.
Amidst the bustling cityscape, two non-competitive rides, spanning 50km and 30km, provided an opportunity for cycling enthusiasts to join the festivities. But it was the UCI 1.1 Road Race that stole the limelight.
On the uniquely challenging racetrack that curved through Hong Kong’s streets, 14 teams from across the globe, from Australia, Italy, Malaysia, Thailand, Mainland China, and the local talent of Hong Kong, fielded an impressive assembly of nearly 100 professional riders.
Farewell to 2023, Hello UCI Calendar: TSG’s Bold Debut at Hong Kong Cyclothon
As the year drew to a close, the Terengganu Polygon Cycling Team (TSG) marked both their farewell to 2023 and the inaugural page of the UCI racing calendar with a thrilling entry.
The Hong Kong Cyclothon, a UCI 1.1 road race, set the stage for this dramatic debut, with TSG’s fleet of riders, known for their sprinting prowess, including the likes of Irwandie Lakasek, Wan Abdul Rahman, Shahmir Aiman, Zuladri Main, Aiman Cahyadi, and Jeroen Meijers, stepping up to the challenge.
A Race for the Speedsters
Irwandie Lakasek and Wan Abdul Rahman, both youthful yet immensely talented sprinters on the team, were chosen to partake in the heart-pounding 100-kilometer race, spanning 24 intense laps. The decision was made by the team’s director sportif, recognizing their potential for this high-stakes event.
Irwandie expressed his confidence, saying, “As a track cyclist, I’m no stranger to the scratch race in the velodrome, and I’m quite familiar with the format of the Hong Kong Cyclothon. With my skills, I believe I’ll be able to perform well in the criterium.”
Wan Abdul Rahman, another sprinter on the team, acknowledged, “In the criterium, my role will be to assist Irwandie, considering that we’re both sprinters. Teamwork will be the key to our success.”
Zuladri Amin and Shahmir Aiman’s Hong Kong Debut
Recognizing the pivotal role that domestiques play in the dynamics of a criterium, TSG’s Zuladri Amin and Shahmir Aiman were entrusted with the crucial responsibility of fulfilling this role in the fast-paced and technically demanding race.
Participating in the Hong Kong Cyclothon for the very first time, Zuladri Amin and Shahmir Aiman anticipated a race that would provide them with invaluable experience. The presence of Team JAYCO ALULA, a prominent Australian WorldTour cycling team, added an extra layer of competitiveness to the event, making it an even more significant and challenging race for the TSG riders.
Aiman Cahyadi’s Seventh Heaven
Furthermore, Aiman Cahyadi, the reigning individual time trial (ITT) national champion, brought his recent experience from the Hangzhou Asian Games to the forefront.
With his advantage, he was poised to stand out in the high-stakes race. As anticipated, Aiman lived up to the expectations by maintaining his position in the lead group from the very outset of the race.
Aiman Cahyadi concluded the demanding 100-kilometre race, securing a commendable seventh place. Although he trailed the Australian WorldTour cycling team, this remarkable performance marked his inaugural entry into the 2024 UCI calendar, earning him valuable UCI points for the season.
Australia Dominates: JAYCO ALULA’s Victory in the 2023 Hong Kong Cyclothon
The grand finale belonged to Lukas Postlberger from Team JAYCO ALULA, an Australian powerhouse, who outpaced their fellow cyclists to claim the championship.
Following closely were Kane Richards of ARA | SKIP CAPITAL and another remarkable teammate, Zdenek Stybar from JAYCO ALULA, both proudly carrying the banner of Australia. The 2023 Hong Kong Cyclothon was a grand spectacle, a symphony of cycling greatness that etched indelible moments into the canvas of sport.
Celebrating Cycling: The Sun Hung Kai Properties Hong Kong Cyclothon Wrap-up
The Sun Hung Kai Properties Hong Kong Cyclothon, an annual outdoor sports spectacle, came to its grand conclusion on October 22.
This event, organized by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), saw the enthusiastic participation of approximately 5,000 cyclists in seven distinct rides and races. These cyclists navigated through a maze of the city’s major traffic arteries, passing by several iconic landmarks along the way.
With a diverse international representation, the Hong Kong Cyclothon witnessed the enjoyment of both local and visiting cyclists as they embarked on their rides spanning six districts, creating unforgettable memories along the three-tunnel, three-bridge route.
The UCI 1.1 Road Race, a standout event, brought together approximately 100 professional cyclists from over 10 countries and regions, injecting an exhilarating spirit into the proceedings.
It was a compelling testament to how the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) celebrated the city’s diversity and solidified its identity as Asia’s World City. Through hosting a variety of mega-events, the HKTB continuously promotes Hong Kong as a premier travel destination to a global audience.
