Update | Record 4,900 riders hit the streets for Hong Kong Cyclothon
Full-day cycling festival on Sunday features city’s first Union Cycliste Internationale class 1.1 road race
A record 4,900 professional and amateur cyclists battled it out in Hong Kong on Sunday at the annual cyclothon, even as participants said the city had much work to do to transform itself into a truly bike-friendly place.
A wide range of races were held from dawn to dusk in sweltering autumn heat to entertain the estimated 60,000 spectators.
In one of the races was cyclist Tsoi Rhollan Clark, who is visually impaired. He completed the 30km route on a tandem bike with his partner Li Tam-hang, who is hearing-impaired. “He can’t talk, and I can’t see. But when he really steps on it, I know I have to step on it too,” said Tsoi, who has 30 per cent vision in his left eye.
The biggest challenge for the duo, who began training last month, was adjusting and coordinating their pace on the bicycle.
Unlike in 2015, when a shortage of staff and lack of road signs resulted in chaos, participants said they had no problems with the arrangements this year.
“The road signs were clear, and there were enough staff at the turns,” said cyclist Veren Lau, who completed a 50km race yesterday morning. “It was great riding along the Tsing Ma Bridge. I was really enjoying the views there.”
