Bandung, West Java (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Cycling Federation (ISSI) is targeting to raise the level of Tour de Indonesia (TdI) to 2.HC (Hors Class), from currently 2.1 International Cycling Union (UCI) level next year.

The international cycling race of TdI will be organized on August 19-23, 2019, with the start from Borobudur Temple in Central Java and concluding in Gianyar, Bali.

"This year, TdI is still at 2.1 UCI level. Our target is that it should reach the same level as Tour de Langkawi, notably 2.HC," Raja Sapta Oktohari, chairman of ISSI Executive Board, remarked on Saturday while watching the Indonesian BMX Free Style Championship in Munaip Saleh Veldrom, Cimahi, West Java.

Le Tour de Langkawi is the highest level cycling race in Asia, with continental-level participants and includes pro-continental and world tour teams. Its facilities have also met the international standard.

Okto admitted to it being challenging to reach the same level as that of Tour de Langkawi, but he remained optimistic, as several improvements had been made to raise the level of TdI.

"2019 is the second year for TdI, with 2.1 UCI level, which is the highest level race in Indonesia. We have been making improvements. A helicopter is planned to be deployed this year, which is one of the conditions for a level upgrade," he remarked.

Preparations are underway for TdI, in which several foreign cyclists will participate, by involving third parties, including for the security arrangements.

Several regions in Indonesia also organize the annual international cycling race of UCI 2.2 status, such as Tour de Singkarak in West Sumatra, Tour de Ijen Banyuwangi in East Java, Tour de Siak in Riau, Tour de Celebes in Central Sulawesi, Tour de Lombok Mandalika in West Nusa Tenggara, Tour de Malvccas in Maluku, and Tour de Flores as well as Tour de Timor in East Nusa Tenggara. Related news: Promotion of Tour de Singkarak to be held in Jakarta
Related news: Cycling race - Teams from 22 countries to participate in Tour de Banyuwangi


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Translator: Bayu Kuncahyo, Fardah
Editor: Suharto
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