Samarahan Bike Challenge returns on June 28 with RM27,750 up for grabs

Abdul Karim (centre) and other dignitaries pose for a group photo during a press conference on Samarahan Bike Challenge 2026 on June 26.

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, June 26: The Samarahan Bike Challenge (SBC) will return for its 10th edition on June 28, with cyclists set to converge at the Summer Shopping Mall in Samarahan to compete for RM27,750 in prize money.

Sarawak Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the annual criterium race, organised by the Samarahan District Office, is supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP) and the Sarawak Cycling Association, and is listed in the Sarawak Calendar of Events 2026.

“The event’s successful organisation over the past decade proves that it has grown into one of the cycling competitions that receives strong support from the cycling community both within and outside Sarawak,” he said during a press conference held at Baitulmakmur 2 here today.

This year’s edition will feature eight categories: Men Open (16 years and above), Sarawak Closed, Master A (34-44 years), Master B (45 years and above), Women Open (16 years and above), Junior (16-20 years), Youth Men (15 and below) and Youth Women (15 and below).

Abdul Karim, who is also the Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, further said the organisers have reinstated the Master A and Master B categories, replacing the Veteran category introduced in previous editions.

Cash prizes will be awarded to the top 10 finishers in each category, with the Men’s Open champion receiving RM1,500.

The SBC 2026 will flag off at 7am on June 28, with over 153 cyclists already signed up for the race, including 135 Malaysians, 16 Indonesians, one Canadian and one New Zealander.

Registration remains open until June 27. Participants can register online at https://checkpointspot.asia/event/samarahan-bike-challenge-2026. — DayakDaily