Road races return as Hong Kong Cycling Association hints at schedule restart
- 137 starters from junior to veteran levels will compete in 15km individual time trial on Saturday, followed by mass start in Tin Shui Wai on Sunday
- No road race has taken place since January 2020 under the pandemic situation
The Hong Kong Cycling Association will restart its National Championships for the first time in more than two years on Saturday, as officials hint at a busier race schedule for the remainder of the year.
A total 137 riders ranging from youth to elite and veteran levels will take part in the 15km race in Tai Po which will start and finish at the junction of Bride’s Pool Road and Wu Kau Tang.
“We have been discussing with relevant government departments since the easing of the pandemic situation several months ago to obtain the road permit,” association chairman Leung Hung-tak said.
“The National Championships is the biggest domestic event on an annual basis but because of the pandemic we had to stop for two years. We hope things can gradually get back to normal with more races taking place later this year. Of course, the pandemic situation will still be crucial if this can happen or not.”
After Saturday’s time trial, the key 120km road race will start from Tin Shui Wai on Sunday as part of the championship schedule.
Leung said authorities did not ask for specific safety measures, but to stick to the prevailing precautions the community is following.
All participating parties including media must conduct a rapid antigen test on the event day, complying with the requirement under the vaccine pass, submission of a health declaration the day before and wearing health masks during the event, except for riders during the race.