PETALING JAYA: IT was a sea of smiles at the finish line of the Shimano Highway Challenge 2014 as more than 2,000 participants completed Malaysia’s one and only closed highway cycling challenge on a 78km stretch of the Kajang-Seremban Highway (Lekas Highway) recently.
The event was sponsored by Shimano and organised by Hivelocity Events Sdn Bhd. Deputy Works Minister Datuk Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin flagged-off the competition at 6.45am.
Dubbed A Ride for Everyone, the event offered cyclists a rare opportunity for carefree cycling on the scenic highway. Lekas Highway, the Works Ministry, Malaysia Highway Authority and police had closed 14 junctions (from the Kajang Selatan interchange to the Paroi junction) to ensure a smooth and safe ride for participants.
Lebuhraya Kajang-Seremban Sdn Bhd chief operating officer Wan Salwani Wan Yusoff said: “It was such a special opportunity to cycle while admiring the greenery along the highway.
“We are proud to have sponsored the venue for this event and pleased to report that all road closures were carried out without a hitch, thanks to the cooperation of everyone involved.”
The competition was divided into five categories.
Winners took home cash and other prizes.
The men received yellow jerseys, while the women received pink jerseys.
Muhamad Khuzairi Abu Bakar won in the Men’s Open category, while Olga Stelmashenko won in the Women’s Open.
Other winners were Lee Weng Tat (Men’s Veteran), Edmond Kong Huannyi (Men’s Junior) and Sek Yee Ting (Women’s Junior).
Stelmashenko advised cyclists who want to participate in the
challenge to “just do it” as it was a great event, especially for new cyclists.
Defending champion Khuzairi said he was determined to defend his title next year.
Sek said she and her younger sister, who also participated in the challenge and placed second, would return next year.
Lee, 41, said the event was perfect.
“It was my first time participating and I found it challenging. I will participate next year if my schedule permits it.”
Lee, who cycled competitively from the ages of 16 to 19, resumed competitive cycling four years ago.
Shimano Pte Ltd assistant director Eugene Koh said: “Cycling is a great activity to enjoy with family and friends.
“We are pleased to offer a safe and professionally-run cycling challenge in such a unique environment. We congratulate the winners and everyone who participated, for a job well done.”
National Pro Cyclist Loh Sea Keong showed his support by riding alongside the participants.
All participants received goodie bags.
There was a King of the Mountain challenge, which tested cyclists on a 3km uphill stretch to reach the highest peak of the course.
The first cyclist in each category to reach the peak took the title King of the Mountain and a polka-dot jersey.
The winners of the King of Mountain category were Abdul Arif Abdul Rahman (Men’s Open), Lee Weng Tat (Men’s Veteran), Olga Stelmashenko (Women’s Open), Edmond Kong Huannyi (Men’s Junior) and Sek Yee Ting (Women’s Junior).
There was a lucky draw featuring gifts from the sponsors to offer all participants a chance to win a prize.
Hivelocity director C.G. Lim said: “It is clear there is a passion for cycling in Malaysia. I believe it has been a fulfilling experience for everyone involved.
“We hope to grow the event
and we will seek sponsors to do so.”
For details and pictures of the event, visit www.highwaychallenge.com and Highway Challenge Facebook page.