Thousands of cyclists, from top professionals to enthusiastic amateurs and international visitors, took to the SAR's streets on Sunday for the first Hong Kong Cyclothon since the pandemic.

Riders set off from Tsim Sha Tsui early in the morning to follow 50 kilometre and 30 kilometre routes across Kowloon and Tsing Yi. Those taking part gave the event a big thumbs up, especially overseas riders, who were enthusiastic to get back to Hong Kong after borders reopened.

“It was flat out from the start. The boys were going like bananas. I have to say, hats off, good scenery, good racing,” said Pieter Weening, who led the world tour team to join the 50km ride.

Guillaume Soula from EuroCyclingTrips, who joined the same race, said riding across the SAR was a “big pleasure”.

“This morning is a real pleasure for us to ride in Hong Kong, with the sunrise. All the population were smiling a lot. Everybody is happy to ride with us,” he said.

Local cyclist Ceci Lee, who clinched silver in the women's omnium at the Hangzhou Asian Games, won second again in the Hong Kong Cyclothon.

Speaking to reporters after her 30km ride, Lee said the race was a fun and unique experience for her.

“It’s the first time for me to join a 30km ride, and it’s the first time I can ride through tunnels instead of simply bridges when I cycle in Hong Kong. It feels special,” she said. “When I rode up a bridge and gazed upon buildings…the scenery was really good.”

Meanwhile the Hospital Authority says ten cyclists required treatment for injuries sustained during the Cyclothon, one of whom was in a serious condition on Sunday afternoon.

It's understood that they collided after one of them fell off his bike during the men's open race. Eight other cyclists were in stable condition while one had been released from hospital. The cyclists, aged from 16 to 59, were sent to four hospitals.
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Last updated: 2023-10-22 HKT 12:59