HONG KONG – Tens of thousands of cyclists from around the world descended on the bustling city of Hong Kong on Sunday for the annual “Sun Hung Kai Properties Hong Kong Cyclothon,” a celebration of the sport that has grown into a full-day festival.
The event, now in its 8th year, attracted a record 6,000 participants who took to the streets of the city to navigate a challenging 50 km or 32 km course that wound through tunnels, over bridges, and along the stunning waterfront.
“The new routes really take the Cyclothon to the next level,” said local star cyclist Wong Kam-po, who has participated in the event since its inception. “The addition of the tunnels and bridges makes it even more of an epic urban cycling adventure.”
In a departure from previous years, the finish line for both the 50 km and 32 km races was moved to the West Kowloon area, where organizers debuted the first-ever Cyclothon Carnival. The carnival, open from 6:30 am to 3 pm, featured local food vendors, a cycling-themed marketplace, and massive photo spots that allowed participants and spectators to celebrate the day’s achievements.
“It’s not just about the racing anymore,” noted Olympic bronze medalist Lee Wai-sze, who was participating in the Cyclothon for the third time. “The carnival really turns it into a full experience for everyone involved.”
Indeed, the festive atmosphere and stunning cityscape backdrops seemed to energize the thousands of cyclists, from seasoned pros to enthusiastic amateurs. As they powered through the challenging courses, many took time to soak in the views rather than focus solely on their times.
“That’s what makes this event so special,” said Wong. “It’s about coming together as a community to celebrate our passion for cycling in one of the most vibrant cities in the world.”