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entral Sulawesi is gearing up to organize an international cycling event, the Tour de Central Celebes from Nov. 6 to 8 in three regencies with the route totaling 486 kilometers.

Central Sulawesi Governor Longki Djanggola, on his recent visit to Ampana to check the event’s preparations, promised that all participants would be buoyed by not only the gorgeous scenery that stretches along the route but also with the diverse cultural activities and off course culinary temptations.

“I have checked every stage and made sure that everything has already been implemented as planned,” Longki told journalists on Sunday.

He said it would be the province’s first international event since foreign scientists from around the globe flooded to the province to witness the rare phenomenon of a total solar eclipse early last year, which saw the provincial capital of Palu blanketed in darkness for two minutes.

Longki said the tournament was tailored to boost sport tourism. He said the province was blessed with beautiful scenery like Togean National Park and also Togean Island, famous for its diverse collection of coral reefs.

The province is also the home to the famous Lake Poso and its magnificent waterfall. Parigi Moutong Sea, he went on, along with Lake Lindu and Lore Lindu National Park were also among the must-see tourist attractions.

“All participants are set to spend a night in each stage. It is expected that the foreign participants will talk about the island beauty with their friends in their respective countries,” he added.

Event organizer Mustajab Moezahar, who accompanied the governor, explained that the first stage, from Ampana to Lake Poso would be 198 km. While spending the night at Tentena, the participants will be entertained by the Lake Poso Festival.

The second stage will be from Poso to Parigi, around 135.6 km. From Parigi, it will go to Sigi regency and Palu, around 153.3 km. In Palu, the finish line will be in front of the governor’s office.

A special route totaling 33 km has been prepared inside the capital for all participants before they finally reach the finish line.

“It is expected that the tour itself will offer the residents quite a unique spectacle,” Mustajab said.

He said the organizers had coordinated with other stakeholders in handling traffic during the event. Registration is open and organizers will divide all participants into 15 teams comprising 10 teams of international racers and five local teams. Each team will comprise five to eight cyclists.