Hong Kong wins right to host inaugural Nations’ Cup next year in major boost to sports community
- World-class riders are expected to be in action at the Tseung Kwan O velodrome, which will act as a dress rehearsal for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics
- Organisers expect pandemic situation to improve next year to provide a safe environment for all participants for May showpiece
Hong Kong will stage the inaugural track cycling Nations’ Cup in May next year, keeping the city’s fine track record of hosting major cycling events.
The news came hot on the heels of the cancellation of a series of international events due to the pandemic outbreak.
“Hong Kong always deserves [to host] world class events as an international city and we are glad to bring some good news to the sports community during the pandemic,” said Cycling Association chairman Leung Hung-tak. “Also, the International Cycling Union is keen to give the hosting rights of this new series to Hong Kong as we have proven our organisation abilities from previous events.
“Yes, the pandemic is still worrying at this moment, but we hope the situation will improve next year so that we can stage the prestigious event under a safe environment which is always our greatest concern these days.”
The Hong Kong velodrome in Tseung Kwan O hosted three legs of the World Cup series as well as the 2017 World Championships, which proved popular with participants.