HKTB to elevate the HK Cyclothon to sports-themed carnival

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has elevated the upcoming Sun Hung Kai Properties (SHKP) Hong Kong Cyclothon to a sports-themed carnival.

Health-and-wellness-themed elements have been added to make the Cyclothon a getactive carnival, which is happening on 13 October. The cycling routes have been enhanced to provide an even better cycling experience to attract more participants to ride across the Hong Kong cityscape, according to the release. 

To attract more participants, the HKTB has designed new routes for the 50km and 32km cycling events. One more tunnel has been added to the 50km ride to include four tunnels and three bridges which are usually closed for cyclists. The 32km route will also feature the scenic Ting Kau Bridge, in addition to the Stonecutters Bridge, allowing cyclists to enjoy Hong Kong's harbour views. 

Both rides have been expanded to the West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD), where the cyclists will finish their rides. 

In addition, HKTB will host a brand-new carnival at the WKCD for the first time, incorporating elements of sports, local delicacies and drinks, large-scale photo-worthy installations, and cycling-themed market. Together with the on-site audience in Tsim Sha Tsui East, the event will ramp up sports excitement across the city for both locals and visitors.

To further spread the cycling excitement to the public, there will be a live broadcast of the events in Tsim Sha Tsui, including the CEO charity and celebrity Ride and the city cycling challenge around Greater Bay Area (Hong Kong) – Sun Hung Kai Properties men's open and women's open, on-site.

Also returning this year is the "Family fun ride" (家庭單車樂) on a 1km segment of Salisbury Road. 300 participants will get a chance to cycle on roads where cyclists are normally not allowed. Children aged six or above can ride alongside their parents. Interested families can sign up on the event website starting on Friday (16 August).

Dane Cheng, executive director of HKTB, said: “The Hong Kong Cyclothon this year includes leisure fun, healthy rides and professional races. In addition to the two most popular rides, with enhanced routes, a sports-and-leisure-themed carnival is a highlight of this year’s event. I believe the edition this year will attract more locals and visitors to join and experience the dynamic vibe of the city. A wellness and health-centric lifestyle has become an emerging trend for in-depth tourism. Leveraging the Cyclothon, HKTB aims to further promote Hong Kong as a sports and leisure tourism destination.”

Adam Kwok, executive director, Sun Hung Kai Properties, title and charity sponsor of the Hong Kong Cyclothon, said: “The Sun Hung Kai Properties Hong Kong Cyclothon has grown into a major local and international sports event. Thanks to the HKTB, this year’s event now features a carnival that allows all members of the public to participate. Last year, together with SHKP’s top-up donations, the event raised HK$1.3 million to support services for cardiovascular disease, dementia patients and their carers through The Community Chest of Hong Kong.”

“The Cyclothon demonstrates our Group’s commitment to promoting Hong Kong as a destination for major sports events,” he added. “To support elite athletes and promote sports in the community, our latest project GO PARK Sai Sha, which is an integrated sports and commercial complex open to the public will work with over 10 professional sports associations and institutions to offer training courses," Kwok added.

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According to HKTB, the recruitment campaign this year has drawn the largest-ever number of applications with 440 applicants. Meanwhile, the team has assisted more than two million tourists and resolved more than 2.3 million inquiries over the past year. 

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