200 international riders to battle for 6th Layar Cycling Carnival champ

KUCHING (July 26): More than 200 riders representing 15 teams from Brunei, Indonesia, South Africa, Sabah, West Malaysia and Sarawak are expected to fight for top honours in the 6th Layar Cycling Carnival (LCC) that will take place in Betong from Aug 30 to Sept 1.

Layar assemblyman Dato Gerald Rentap Jabu said so far 103 riders have registered for one of the biggest sports events in Betong.

Among the teams that will participate are TSG Cycling Academic, Terengganu, Amigos Suci Brunei, Anak Brunei Cycling Team, RPM Team of Indonesia, SSC Development Team, Pro Apparel Team Sarawak, Sonamu of Sarawak, Giant Team, Ghost Speed Cycling Team, Master Piece Cycling Team, Tugau Cycling Team and Buceros WDT.

“LCC is a road race event providing a challenge with a hilly route around Ulu Layar Road for a distance of 89km.

“This year, there is a slight change to the route as the road section in Paku is undergoing construction,” Rentap, who is Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development told reporters in a press conference at Bangunan Baitul Makmur II in Petra Jaya today.

“This is a good platform to expose our riders, especially those in the development programme. This year the Boys/Girls Youth categories are introduced to encourage young riders as well as identifying young riders for the state cycling development programme.

“Registration will be on Aug 30 and a welcoming dinner will be held on the same day. On Aug 31, a fun ride with me will be held from Betong Stadium to RTC Layar, to be followed with the criterium for seven categories whereas the road race will be staged on Sept 1 where eight categories will be competed.

“The total prize money for LCC is RM46,180 and apart from the cycling events, other events that will also be organised are an invitational tennis tournament and an invitational pickleball tournament, concert and sales of food, drinks and souvenirs.

“This event will not only enliven Betong but also boost tourism there while the various stall operators/traders will also benefit from the spin-offs,” said Rentap.

He said the LCC will also be the platform to introduce digitalisation of programmes in Betong.