Over 600 cyclists from 31 countries will participate in the Gran Fondo New York (GNFY) Indonesia 2016 bicycle marathon slated to take place in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), on Oct. 2
ver 600 cyclists from 31 countries will participate in the Gran Fondo New York (GNFY) Indonesia 2016 bicycle marathon slated to take place in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), on Oct. 2.
"Based on the latest information, around 640 participants from 31 countries have confirmed their attendance. As it is a sports tourism event, they will traverse routes across Lombok's splendid landscape," NTB Tourism and Culture Agency head Lalu Mohammad Faozal told The Jakarta Post on Saturday.
While traversing West, Central and North Lombok, the cyclists can marvel at tourist destinations that will serve as rest points, including Mawun Beach in West Lombok, Kuta Beach in Central Lombok, and Pusuk Forest and Malimbu Bay in North Lombok.
(Read also: Bali, Lombok beaches most popular among travelers)
"The route will start from Senggigi Beach and then pass through many tourist attractions along the way. We will make sure the participants can fully enjoy Lombok's natural beauty," Lalu added.
The semi-pro race comprises two categories: 80 and 180 kilometers. Event committee member Tenne Permatasari said that as it was not a professional race like the Tour de Singkarak or Tour de Flores, it was able to attract a larger number of participants. "As it is a sports tourism event, hopefully it can help promote Lombok tourism to a global audience," she said, adding that at least 1,800 police personnel would help to secure the route.
Prior to Indonesia, the world series for GFNY 2016 has been held in Mont Ventoux in France, Mexico City in Mexico, Germany, Italy, Argentina, Cozumel in Mexico, Uruguay and Colombia. The peak of the event will be held in New York, the US, on May 21, 2017. (kes)
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