Over 200 Foreign Cyclists To Compete In Tour De-Barelang

Batam, Riau Islands, May 16 (Antara) - A total of 214 foreign cyclists have confirmed to participate in the Tour de-Barelang championship which will be held on Saturday (May 25/2013). "Most of the participants are from Singapore and foreign nationals who have been living in Singapore such as from Italy, the UK and Hungary," Head of Tourism and Culture affairs office of Batam city, Yusfa Hendri said here on Thursday. According to him, the second Tour De-Barelang will start in front of Riau Islands Police Mobile Brigade Command office in Tembesi region, Sagulung to the bridge "Jembatan Enam Barelang", and the racing will finish at Batam tourism icon, "Jembatan I Barelang". Tour de Barelang will be divided into three classes, namely the stage of 45 kilometers, 40 kilometers and 35 kilometers with a total prize of Rp100 million. Head of the city tourism facilities and resorts affairs, Rudi Panjaitan said that foreign participants` response is very encouraging and becomes a positive step for Batam tourism development. "Previously, a number of foreign cyclists have arrived and tried the track," he said, adding that the cycling championship also boosts tourist arrivals to Batam. Batam City Government has set a target of 1.25 million foreign tourist visits in 2013, while domestic tourists are expected to reach more than 5 million people. "Many other tourism events also have been programmed so that the target could be achieved this year," said Rudi. Meanwhile, Batam Mayor Ahmad Dahlan said he has instructed the Public Works office to rehabilitate several parts of roads that can enable the cyclists run smoothly. "All roads will be cleaned in order to make the Tour de Barelang track completely safe for cyclists," he added.