Jamboree at Sepang

MEDIA RELEASE
Thursday, 10 February 2011

THIRD EDITION OF KENCANA SIC BIKEATHON ON FEBRUARY 20

A one-of-its-kind cycling event – the Kencana SIC Bikeathon – is back and returning at Sepang Circuit for a third edition on February 20 with a new event - a mass start Jamboree for mountain bikes.

With the smooth 5,543-meters and 15 turns Formula 1 track as the battle ground, the day-long event combined road racing and mountain bike challenge and had been a hugely popular event among the local cycling enthusiasts with its unique challenge.

“We will not have the mountain bike race this year and instead, organize a jamboree event. It’s hugely popular with the mountain bike community and I strongly believe that it again will draw strong response from both casual and full time cyclists,” said Datuk Malik Mydin, the chief organizer for the Kencana SIC Bikeathon 2011.

“Again, there will be cash prizes and F1 tickets to be won, which indeed be a good bonus for the participants. But, based on the feedbacks that I got, they just come to Sepang to have fun and to enjoy themselves.

“I would like to this opportunity to thank SIC especially the chairman Yang Berbahgia Dato’ Mokhzani Tun Dr Mahathir, who actually mooted this idea of having this bikeathon event. He wanted to tell the world that Sepang is more than just for motor racing; but ideal for plenty of other activities like cycling,” he added.

Slotted as the opening race, the Jamboree would start at 10am with a lap around the F1 track before taking the participants to another 38 kilometers of off-road terrain around the vicinity of the racing complex.

“For this category, everybody will have a chance to win prizes as we will be having lucky draws with attractive prizes at the end of the race. The top three winners will win cash prizes and F1 tickets … it’s open to all; guys and gals … young and old. It’s a perfect way of enjoying your Sunday,” said Malik.

The criterium classes would start at 2pm with the junior category, which would cover five laps of the F1 track. This would be followed by the other categories – the Men Open, Veteran Open and a special kids event where they would compete in a 400 meter dash on the circuit’s front straight.

More than 600 cyclists including national and state riders took part in the race last year and Malek is hopeful that the event would attract a bigger participation this year.

“The date February 20 is ideal … there’s no other local cycling events that day and I know that many that took part last year are yearning to come back and race again this year. To this people, you are most welcomed and call your friends as well,” said Malik.

Entries for the jamboree and criterium is RM30 for each category. There will be no charge for the kids’ event.

For more information, interested participants can go to Facebook/SIC Bikeathon 2011 or call Alia of MTB Malaysia at 03-9222 0786 or Nizam of Sepang International Circuit at 03-87782230.