By DayakDaily Team
BETONG, Sept 1: The adrenaline-charged 102-kilometre Highway Race, featuring 275 cyclists from Malaysia and abroad, stole the spotlight as the grand finale of the 7th Layar Cycling Carnival (LCC), which wrapped up in spectacular style at the RTC Betong Futsal Arena.
Flagged off at 8am on Sunday (Aug 31), the endurance race saw riders from Malaysia and abroad, with competitors hailing from Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei Darussalam, and South Africa, all pushing their limits on the challenging route.
LCC Patron and Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Dato Gerald Rentap Jabu, revealed that prize money will be raised in the next edition to draw more elite international riders and to give emerging Sarawakian cyclists a bigger platform.
“We want LCC to continue to be a prestigious stage, not only for international cyclists but also for Sarawak’s young talents,” he said in a news report by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas).
During the closing ceremony, Betong MP Dato Dr Richard Rapu who represented Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, reminded participants that beyond podium finishes, the true spirit of sport lies in perseverance and discipline.
“Whether or not you make it to the podium, every pedal stroke reflects discipline and dedication. This is the true value of sport, and it must continue,” he emphasised.
In the Men’s Open category, Mohammad Haizam Mohd Shabri of TSG Cycling Academy powered to victory, stamping his dominance on the field. Laurel Lauridsen Adrian of Ghostspeed Racing Team emerged champion in the Sarawak Closed category, while Ju Pha Som Net of G-PDRM Cycling Team clinched the Women’s Open title.
Jointly organised by the Betong Division Public Works Department (JKR), Saberkas Layar Branch, and the Sarawak Cycling Association, this year’s LCC once again reinforced Betong’s reputation as a premier cycling and sports tourism hub, while inspiring the local community to embrace healthier, more active lifestyles. — DayakDaily
