KUCHING: The Siol International Mountain Bike Challenge (SIMBC) 2023 will be held from Aug 25 to 27.
Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said this will be the 20th edition and it is organised in conjunction with Sarawak’s 60th Independence as well as Merdeka Day celebration.
He said the international event is jointly organised by the Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) and Sarawak Cycling Association.
“Some 150 local and international participants are expected to take part in the SIMBC, it is an event that uses specifications by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI). Participants will have the chance at grabbing the total prize money worth RM70,000,” he said during the SIMBC 2023 press conference at DBKU headquarters today.
Abdul Karim said the SIMBC 2023 features five different events, namely Cross County Olympic (XCO), Downhill Individual (DHI), Cross Country Short Course (XCC), Cross Country Team Relay (XCR) and Cross Country Eliminator (XCE) with different categories.
Touching on the age groups for the events and categories, he said there is a need to include the younger generation’s participation.
The SIMBC 2023 is currently open to those who are above 17 years old and up to 30 years old and above.
“For Sarawak to become a sports powerhouse, we need to start training our athletes from a young age in all sports, including mountain bike (MTB). While bodies or organisations like UCI have certain sanctions on the athletes’ age, I believe that we should not be tied up to this entirely as we want to become a sports powerhouse.
“With Sarawak set to become the host for Malaysia Games (SUKMA) next year, it is important for us to not only train our athletes to be the best but also showcase their capabilities regardless of their age,” he said.
Abdul Karim said Sarawak does not impose any age restrictions for its athletes as it is for the overall development of sports in the state.
Abdul Karim later handed over a RM160,000 mock cheque from his ministry to DBKU director Mohamed Khaider Abang witnessed by the ministry’s principal assistant secretary Nasir Lariwoo, DBKU deputy director Rudzaimier Malek, Sarawak Cycling Association president Datuk Benjamin Hasbie and event director Hakim Hossen.
