TEMPO.CO, Kupang - Cyclists from 30 countries are expected to join international cycling competition Tour de Flores (TdF) on July 14-19, 2017, on Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).

“[Cyclists] from 25 countries have already signed up and we are targeting 30 countries to join this year’s Tour de Flores,” NTT Tourism Office head Marius Ardu Jelamu said Thursday, April 20, in Kupang.

He explained that higher level of participation from foreign cyclists will help enhance the region’s tourism promotional efforts.

Moreover, he said that TdF is not only aimed at attracting tourists but also fostering diplomacy through cycling.

“We, as part of global citizens, will take part in [creating] world peace through cycling competition and to show the world that Indonesian is very safe for international events,” he said.

He also said that he expects the younger generation to be encouraged to compete in either mini-race or touring events.

Marius said that 13 teams comprising over 100 international cyclists from Europe, the Americas, Asia and Australia have already registered for the competition.

He said that this edition of the Tour de Flores will cover a total distance of 808 kilometers, longer than what was initially planned at 661.5 kilometers.

He said that the distance is longer due to additional new route from Aegela to Kota Mbay in Nagekeo District.

The opening ceremony of the TdF will be held in Lewoleba, Lembata Districts, in which participants will tour the town and enjoy local tourist attractions.

Participants will be crossing to Flores Island to start the race from Larantuka, East Flores, to Maumere-Ende-Nagekeo-Borong-Ruteng-Labuan Bajo.

ANTARA