By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Aug 24: The Siol International Mountain Bike Challenge (SIMBC), now in its 10th edition, has achieved the prestigious Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Class 1 status, making Sarawak the first in Malaysia to host a world-class mountain biking race in an urban nature park.
Sarawak Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said the UCI Class 1 status, the highest ranking for mountain bike competitions under UCI, marks a historic milestone for Sarawak and Malaysia’s sports tourism sector.
He confirmed that upgrades will be carried out to make the track more challenging while improving safety.
“Upgrades will definitely be carried out to make the course more challenging while also reducing the risk of injuries in case of accidents.
“I know this area has many sharp rocks, so some corners will likely be redesigned to add more challenge for both downhill and cross-country riders,” he told reporters at the event held at Bukit Siol today.
This year’s challenge drew strong international participation, featuring cyclists from seven countries, including SEA Games gold medalists and even Olympians from Japan.
“Bukit Siol is unique because it offers a rare terrain for mountain biking right in the middle of the city. Riders love it, and spectators can easily access the venue to cheer them on,” he stated.
When asked about gazetting Bukit Siol as a permanent mountain bike venue, Abdul Karim who is also the Sarawak Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, said the matter depends on Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) as the landowner, but he believes the city hall supports community sports.
“As long as the area is not vandalised and remains safe, DBKU will support it as a recreational and sporting venue for Kuching residents and visitors,” he added, noting that the site also falls under Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) as a nature park.
Meanwhile, DBKU mayor Dato Hilmy Othman said Bukit Siol’s natural terrain provides an excellent platform for international-level races and assured that DBKU will continue to work with the ministry to enhance facilities.
SIMBC has become a fixture in Sarawak’s sports calendar and is well-known among the global mountain biking community. Abdul Karim also highlighted the event’s unique relay format, which is not found in other international races.
“Mountain bike racing is already part of SEA Games, Asian Games and the Olympics. Who knows, this relay concept might one day be adopted globally,” he emphasised.
This year’s SIMBC saw 162 riders from seven countries competing across multiple categories, including Cross Country Olympic (XCO) – Class 1 (C1), Downhill Individual (DHI) – Class 2 (C2), Cross Country Short Course (XCC) – Class 3 (C3), Cross Country Eliminator (XCE) – Class 3 (C3), and Cross Country Relay (XCR) – a team relay. – DayakDaily
