KOTA KINABALU: Some 80 cyclists from Ranau, Kota Marudu and Kota Belud were flagged off in the 185-km Kinabalu Unesco Global Geopark Cycling Tour 2024, in Ranau on Thursday (Jan 18), with the event ending in Kota Belud on Saturday (Jan 20).
The event is hoped to introduce a new attraction in inland tourism, namely cycling sports tourism, according to Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew.
Jointly organised by Sabah Parks and Sri Pelancongan Sabah, cyclists from three districts will be making six pit stops where the participants will engage with the local community.
Flagging off the tour from Poring Hotspring Sub-Station in Ranau, Liew said the scenic route offers a fascinating experience with the beauty of nature and with the iconic Mount Kinabalu in the background, believing that such tourism product will appeal "to cycling sports fans all over the world."
"Today's happening will make a positive impact on tourism development and sustainability of nature in Sabah.
"Also Ranau, Kota Marudu and Kota Belud districts are not only rich in nature tourism attractions, but also have a wealth of culture, heritage and other charms.
"We believe that community-based tourism in these three districts can provide great returns to the state government," she said.
Liew added that the cycling tour was held in conjunction of the Declaration ceremony of Kinabalu Unesco Global Geopark (KUGGp), which obtained its status in 2023, as well as the Sabah Parks' diamond jubilee celebration to take place at Dataran Kota Belud.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor is expected to launch the ceremony on Saturday.
Liew was accompanied by Sabah Parks chairman Peter Lintar and Sabah Parks director Dr Maklarin Lakim at the flag-off.
