By Tedong Rantayy
MIRI, March 15: The newly completed Velosolutions Pump Track at Taman Bulatan Miri is set to transform the local extreme sports scene and boost tourism, says Sarawak Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries, and Performing Arts, Datuk Sebastian Ting.
Speaking at the official launch today, Ting described the RM600,000 facility as a significant milestone for Miri and Malaysia.
The 251-metre track, which began construction on November 11 last year, is the country’s first extreme cycling sports site and meets international competition standards.
“This is an excellent achievement, not just for Miri but for Malaysia. When we first envisioned this project, there were only 1,057 Velosolutions Pump Tracks worldwide. Today, Miri joins a global network of 1,187 tracks, placing our city firmly on the international cycling map,” said Ting.
The state-of-the-art facility caters to riders of all skill levels, from beginners to professional athletes. With the rise of pump track racing globally, the track provides an opportunity to nurture homegrown talents who may one day compete in international events such as the Red Bull UCI Pump Track World Championships.
Beyond sports development, the track is expected to deliver economic benefits by attracting local and international riders, boosting tourism, and fostering community engagement through events, competitions, and training programmes.
“This track represents more than just a sporting facility. It promotes a healthier, more active lifestyle for our youth, encourages outdoor activities, and fosters discipline, resilience, and sportsmanship.
“We have already seen interest from cyclists across Sarawak and Brunei, and we anticipate a surge in visitors to Miri,” Ting added.
With the facility now open, discussions are already underway for upcoming competitions, with an event tentatively planned for May.
“This is not just about launching a track; it is about creating a movement – a vision for the future of cycling in Miri and beyond. Let the wheels roll, let the community thrive, and let this be the start of something extraordinary,” Ting concluded. — DayakDaily
