The participating countries are Indonesia, Japan, China, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Bahrain, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Spain, England, the Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand and Ireland.

'This competition is vital for the promotion of East Java tourism,' Soekarwo said during the opening ceremony of the competition, which consists of three sections, as quoted by tempo.co on Wednesday.

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The first section of the competition, which serves a 179.6 km route, started on Jl. Mayjen Sungkono in Surabaya, Menganti, Gresik, Lamongan Babat, Mojokerto, Krian and Sidoarjo Sport Complex, and will finish on Friday.

The second section serves an 84.5 km route, starting at the Sidoarjo Sport Complex, Porong, Pandaan, Sukorejo, Purwosari, Pasrepan, Puspo and Tosri in Pasuruan.

The third section, which is 78.6 km-long, starts at the Sidoarjo Sport Complex, Buduran, Ringroad Timur Sidoarjo, Tanggulangin Temple, Tulangan, Prampon, Krembung, Ngoro, Mojosari, Bangsal, Pacet and finishes in Pecet, Mojokerto.

Tour de East Java Foundation secretary Maya said that this year's event saw participation from 13 teams from 15 countries. She added that only a team from Iran was not able to participate due to visa issues

Maya said that Oscar of team Polygon, known as the king of slantways, is a favorite this year.

'There are also some favorites from Japan. They have a good team though,' she said. (hrl)

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