ISSI Uses TDS As Preparation For Asian Games

JAKARTA, Nov 13 (Antara) - A total of 20 teams from 30 countries are expected to participate in the Tour de Singkarak international bike race (TdS) 2017 which will be held immediately in the Indonesian province of West Sumatra. TdS 2017, the ninth of its kind, will take place from Nov. 18 to 26, 2017, postponed from the previously planned date from Oct 10 to 18. Out of 20 teams, 15 teams are foreign ones and the rest are cyclists grouped in five national teams. In this year's international event, however, the Indonesian national cycling team (Timnas) will not take part, according to manager of the Timnas, Budi Saputra on last Thursday. "It is true. This year, the national team is absent in the Tour de Singkarak 2017. But many cyclists of the national team that strengthen their clubs (will join the event)," Saputra said. The Executive Board of the Indonesian Cycling Association (PB ISSI) let the cyclists that so far joined the national training center or Pelatnas to strengthen each of their clubs. Many cyclists of the Timnas so far spread in several local and international clubs. When they do not undergo the centralized training, they continue to improve their skills together with their clubs. Even some cyclists are regularly fielded in international championships. For example, Aiman Cahyadi who is currently strengthening the Malaysian team, Sapura Pro Cycling Team. In fact, Aiman Cahyadi who was born in Bandung, West Java, was already able to become the best rider in one of the international race stage in the neighboring country. In addition, Dadi Suryadi who was born in Sumedang, West Java, is currently strengthening the team from Malaysia, Trengganu Cycling Team. The runner up of the Tour de Singkarak 2016 has a great opportunity to show his best performance in the 2.2. race level 2.2. Another national team racer who has a chance to participate in the Tour de Singkarak 2017 is Robin Manullang who strengthens the United Bike team. Saputra also said that Tour de Singkarak 2017 is one of media to monitor the achievement of the Indonesian cyclists. Several teams that likely take part in the upcoming TdS are Trengganu Cycling Team and Sapura Pro Cycling Team from Malaysia, 7 Eleven RBP Philippines, Qinghai Thiayude China, Kansai Creage Japan, VIB Bikes Bahrain as well as the local teams such as PGN, KFC Continental Team, BRCC including the Padang Road Bike Team. Preparation for Asian Games 2018 In the meantime, PB ISSI will make use of the up coming TdS 2017 to monitor the country's cyclists for the 2018 Asian Games. Apart from seeking cyclists to be prepared for the 2018 Asian Games, Saputra explained that PB ISSI will also monitor the coach who will accompany the riders at the National Training Center (Pelatnas). "(We) have nominees, both riders and coaches. Now, we just see their performances in Tour de Singkarak 2017," Saputra noted. According to him, the cyclists who will be monitored in the TdS 2017 including Aiman Cahyadi from the Sapura Pro Cycling Team Malaysia, Dadi Suryadi from the Trengganu Cycling Team Malaysia as well as Hary Fitrianto from the CCN Laos. This year, TdS 2017 which carries the theme "Biggest Sport Tourism" will comprise nine stages, covering the regions of 18 districts and municipalities of West Sumatra. The nine stages will include Tanah Datar-Padang Panjang City, covering 107 kilometers; Painan-Sawahlunto, covering 166 kilometers; Muaro Sijunjung-Pulau Punjung, covering 100 kilometers; Danau Singkarak-Payakumbuh, covering 135 kilometers; and Lembah Harau-Padang Panjang, covering 101 kilometers. The cyclists will continue to the following stages of Solok City-Padang Aro Solok Selatan, covering 140 kilometers; Pariaman-West Pasaman, covering 157 kilometers; Padang Pariaman-Agam, covering 101 kilometers; and Pasaman-Bukittinggi Sirkuit, covering 90 kilometers. The Tour de Singkarak (TdS), which was first held in 2009, has become an annual agenda for the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI). Since 2013 the Amauri Sport Organization (ASO) has recommended TDS to be a major championship in Asia for being able to attract more than one million spectators. The bicycle race, which is named after the Lake Singkarak in West Sumatra, is expected to start from Batusangkar, Tanah Datar District and finish in Bukittinggi city. Singkarak Lake (which has lent its name to the bicycle race) is approximately 21 kilometer long and 7 kilometer wide, extending over an area of 107.8 kilometer; it is a popular tourist destination in West Sumatra.