Thousands of cyclists will descend upon the streets of Hong Kong this Sunday for the highly anticipated annual Hong Kong Cyclothon, causing major road closures throughout the day.
The 50-kilometer race will see participants traverse some of the city’s most iconic thoroughfares, including Canton Road in Tsim Sha Tsui, the West Kowloon Highway, and the Tsing Ma Bridge. Various roads will be shut in phases starting at 1 a.m., with some expected to remain closed until around 3:30 p.m., according to local authorities.
“We’re anticipating around 6,000 cyclists to take part in this year’s event,” said Raymond Chan, general manager of event and product development at the Hong Kong Tourism Board. “To accommodate this, we’ll be holding the first Cyclothon Carnival at the West Kowloon Cultural District, with the finishing line located on the bridge above Jordan Road, allowing cyclists to easily access the festivities.”
The star-studded lineup of riders includes retired cyclists Lee Wai-sze and Wong Kam-po, who will compete in the 50-kilometer race, as well as fencer Yeung Chi-ka, who will join the 32-kilometer event.
“This annual race has become a beloved tradition in Hong Kong, showcasing the city’s vibrant cycling community and drawing thousands of participants and spectators alike,” said a spokesperson for the Hong Kong Police Force. “We encourage residents to plan their travel accordingly and take advantage of public transportation options during the event.”
With road closures and a new carnival experience, this year’s Hong Kong Cyclothon promises to be an exciting and highly anticipated event for both cyclists and the wider community.