Some cyclists who joined Sunday's Cyclothon said they were disappointed the route was changed due to the windy weather, but many others also said they welcomed the event's return after a four-year absence.

Five thousand people had signed up for the first Cyclothon held in Hong Kong since 2018.

About 20 percent did not turn up.

Cyclists who joined the 50-kilometre race started in Tsim Sha Tsui around 5am.

Some told RTHK they wore three jackets, or used heat packs to keep their feet warm, as the temperature dropped to 9 degrees Celsius – the lowest in the SAR this winter so far.

Participants were meant to ride to Tsing Ma Bridge and Ting Kau Bridge before returning to Tsim Sha Tsui, but the Tourism Board, which organised the race, told them to skip the two bridges with the wind speed reaching 35 kilometres per hour.

Some cyclists expressed disappointment with the arrangement, but said they understood that safety came first.

"I am a little disappointed that we couldn't ride on the two bridges, but there's nothing we could do. The wind is too strong," said one of the cyclists.

Biker Domino Chau, who used to represent the Hong Kong team, said he agreed with the decision to shorten the route.

"It's blustery today. When we were in West Kowloon we came across strong crosswinds twice, which made our bikes wobble," he said.

Chau added that he's happy with the race's resumption.

"It's very enjoyable to ride on Route 3. I've often driven on the route but it's a yearly occasion to cycle there. It's been four years since we last cycled on that route at high speed."

Chief Executive John Lee said in a speech marking the Cyclothon that the Tourism Board will continue to host large-scale events to attract tourists.

He said he believes that Hong Kong will be the top destination among travellers, and arrival figures will go up rapidly now that anti-epidemic measures are lifted.
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Last updated: 2022-12-18 HKT 16:18