The 120.2-kilometer-long stage started from the office of the Ruteng district head in Manggarai District and will finish in Laboan Bajo in West Manggara.
Manggarai District Head Deno Kamelus flagged off the domestic and foreign participants who will have to navigate through a track full of inclines and sharp turns in a hilly area, with scenic natural beauty and fresh air.
Kamelus expressed hope that the cyclists would enjoy the panorama and unique culture of the locals.
From the start line, five cyclists -- Thomas Lebas of France, Choe Hyeoungmin of South Korea, Edgar Nieto of Spain, and Imam Arifin as well as Jamal Hibatulah, both from Indonesia -- were in the lead.
The TdF 2017 covers a total distance of 808 km, an increase from 661.5 km in 2016, due to the addition of the Aegela-Mbay route in Ngada District.
Some 20 cycling teams comprising more than 150 cyclists from 11 countries in Europe, America, Asia, and Australia are participating in the tour.
The first stage, covering a distance of 148 km, started from Larantuka in East Flores District and finished in Maumere in Sikka District, last Friday.
The second stage was held on Saturday from Maumere to Ende, covering a distance of 142.8 km.
The third stage was from Ende to Mbay covering 83.3 km; the fourth stage from Mbay to Borong spanning 170.9 km; the fifth stage from Borong to Ruteng, 55.5 km; and the sixth stage from Ruteng to Labuan Bajo, 120.2 km.
The TdF is a sports tourism event intended to promote Flores Islands tourism potentials.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2017
