Published on August 27, 2005

[MOUNTAIN BIKE] Excitement is already gripping Tak city where more than 500 amateur riders from across the country are preparing to compete in the Bhumibol Dam Invitation International Mountain Bike Championship, which kicks off today.

The annual competition is organised by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand and Tourism Authority of Thailand to promote tourism in the western province and encourage people to take up the sport.

This year the tournament is spilt into two categories – 60km Sweat Bike and 40km Competition Bike.

The winner in the 60km Sweat Bike division takes home a trophy from Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and Bt4,000, while the champions in the men’s and women’s 40km Competition Bike events pocket Bt30,000 and Bt20,000 respectively, plus trophies from Privy Councillor Air Chief Marshal Kunthon Sithawanont.

After having staged the event successfully in the past three years, Tak Governor Suwat Tunprawat is determined to use cycling to promote tourism in his province both internationally and domestically.

“Cycling is one of the popular sports in our province. Every evening you can see many people riding bicycles around town,” Suwat said.

“This is because while you’re riding your bicycle, you have the perfect chance to witness the spectacular view of the Ping River which flows past the city. I can guarantee that the view of Ping River in Tak is more beautiful than other provinces, even Chiang Mai.

“So, I would like to use cycling as a symbol to promote my province to other people not only in our country but also around the world.”

The competition has caused a stir in Tak as most of the competing riders have been preparing there for several weeks to get themselves accustomed to the route.

Yesterday, Suwat lead a long bicycle caravan around the city in an attempt to promote the competition, drawing lots of attention from local people and the media.

Kitinan Sanguansak

The Nation

Tak

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