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Banyuwangi to hold International Tour de Banyuwangi Ijen cycling competition
The ITdBI has been recognized by Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) as one of the seven best cycling events in Asia, and the best in Indonesia for the last two years.
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Mount Ijen is a sight to behold, what with plumes of smoke rising from its crater. (The Star/Asia News Network/-)
B
anyuwangi is set to host the International Tour de Banyuwangi Ijen (ITdBI) cycling event that will run from September 27 to 30. The competition will be joined by 20 teams from 29 countries.
The ITdBI has been recognized by Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) as one of the seven best cycling events in Asia, and the best in Indonesia for the last two years.
UCI advisor Jamaludin Mahmood said that the ITdBI is listed at the 'Excellent' level, following the UCI assessments toward ITdBI in 2014 and 2015.
The 'Excellent' level is the highest level in the international cycling competition league. To achieve this level, the event's score must reach 90 points.
Out of the 31 championships in Asia, there were only seven events that were listed in the excellent level by UCI in 2015 namely Le Tour de Langkawi in Malaysia, Tour of Japan, Tour de Korea, Tour de Iran, Japan Cup, Tour de Kumano in Jepang and Tour de Banyuwangi Ijen.
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However what differentiates ITdBI with the other six is location, ITdBI is held by a regency, whilst others such as Langkawi, Japan and Korea are conducted by a country and Tour de Kumano is held by a province. Moreover, ITdBi is the youngest event to earn the excellent level acknowledgment.
The ITdBI was established in 2012, while other similar events such as Tour de Langkawi was first held in 1996, Tour de Iran in 1986, Japan Cup in 1992, Tour of Japan in 1996 which was close to the establishment of Tour de Kumano at Mie Prefecture in Japan and Tour de Korea in 2001.
There are four elements that are seen by the UCI in determining whether a cycling competition event can be considered as excellent. The first one is the communication between participants and judging team, second is security, third is promotion through mass media and the last element is whether the event can bring a positive impact to the people.
Banyuwangi regent Azwar Anas said that they are considering for ITdBI to level up from category 2.2 to category 2.1.
“Maybe we will partner up with the neighboring regency such as Bali to extend the route,” told Azwar.
As a tourist destination, Banyuwangi has several popular tourist spots such as the Ijen Crater that is known for its blue fire, Alas Purwo and Plengkung Beach. (asw)
