SHAH ALAM - A total of 1,000 local and foreign cyclists will compete in the Selangor International Race 2023 (SIR 2023) cycling championship to be held on June 25.
Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) chief executive officer Datuk Mahmud Abbas said the championship is being held for the first time to promote the state’s sports tourism as well as to encourage a healthy and active lifestyle.
He said the one-day competition over 145 kilometres of open undulating roads and exposed to winds and the elements and will bring together cyclists from 10 countries including Indonesia, Singapore and England.
"This event received an overwhelming response and within a month, registration of participation was already closed after reaching the target of 1,000 cyclists. Terengganu Cycling Team (TSG) and Team Sapura Cycling (TSC) are among those in the race.
"Because this event received a very encouraging response, we intend to make it an annual event,” he said after the pre-launch ceremony of SIR 2023 at PKNS headquarters here today.
Meanwhile, Mahmud said a total of eight categories will be contested for total prize money of RM64,000, namely Junior Men U-18 (16 to 18 years old), Men U-23 (19-23 years old), Men A (23-35 years old), Men B (36-45 years old), Men C (46-and above), Men Heavyweight (95 kg and above), Women’s Open (18-35) and Women’s Masters (36 and above). - BERNAMA