MIRI: A total 1,020 cyclists from 12 countries took part in the Kuala Baram Cycling Race 2023 (KBCR) on Saturday, which translated to a 225 per cent increase from the previous year.
Malaysia entered 879; Brunei Darussalam (94); Indonesia (11); the Philippines (12); Myanmar (5); United Kingdom(3); one each from Germany, Austria, New Zealand, South Africa,China and Ireland.
With the overwhelming response this year, Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Sebastian Ting has suggested the event be rebranded to rope even more international cyclists.
“For next year, perhaps, the organiser should rebrand the event to International Kuala Baram Cycling Race to rope in more participants outside Malaysia,” he said.
He believed that KBCR has the potential to promote Miri as a venue for cycling sports in future.
“Its a wonderful event, and as we are still in the mood of celebrating Sarawak’s 60th anniversary in the month of July, this event is definitely something that we cherish,” he told local media before flagging off one event category.
Also present was Miri Mayor Adam Yii.
Attractive prizes including money and trophies worth RM67, 100 awaited winners of the KBCR 2023.
The event was jointly organised by Miri City Council and Masterpiece Cycling Club Miri.
