As many as 1,308 cyclists will participate in Tour de France’s L’Etape Indonesia, which will be held in the Mandalika Special Economic Zone (SEZ), Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), from February 18–20, 2022.
“The participants will come from various regions throughout Indonesia,” regional secretary of NTB Province, Lalu Gita Ariadi, said here on Friday.
The provincial government will fully support the cycling event, he added.
“We laud the implementation of the event. Hopefully, we and all related stakeholders can collaborate to succeed the event,” the regional secretary remarked.
Furthermore, he assured that strict health protocols will be implemented for various international events held in the province.
Meanwhile, operational director of L’etape Indonesia by Tour de France, Alan Jala, informed that the race will be divided into two categories based on distance: 120 kilometers (km) and 90 km.
“In addition to thousands of amateur cyclists throughout Indonesia, dozens of athletes from NTB Province will also partake in the race,” he said.
Furthermore, a number of local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) will also join the international event, he added.
“Local MSMEs will participate to enliven the event and to promote local products, which can be enjoyed by the participants,” the operational director remarked.
He also said that Mandalika SEZ was chosen as the venue for the event since the tourism destination is very strategic and beautiful.
“We chose Lombok Island to host the race since we have surveyed the location and seen its beautiful landscape and winding roads,” he added.
Tour de France is an annual professional men’s multiple-stage cycling race held in France.
Meanwhile, L’Etape by Tour de France includes a series of amateur cycling events designed to help participants experience the atmosphere of Tour de France. In 2022, 26 such events will be held in 21 countries around the world.
Source: Antara News