"This event is not just a stage for the longest world-class cycling race in the country, but it will also showcase NTT's tourism, cultural, and culinary potential to the world," he remarked after meeting with leaders from Flores, Sumba, Timor, and Alor (Flobamora) in East Nusa Tenggara, in Denpasar, Bali, on Friday.
Lena explained that the cycling race blends NTT's natural beauty and cultural richness with the spirit of sport.
The bicycle race will pass through various locations in the Timor, Sumba, and Flores regions.
At each stage, which will be traversed by riders from various countries, the organizing committee in each district will present unique cultural attractions and exhibitions of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The event is an initiative of the NTT provincial government and the local regents, supported by the Youth and Sports Ministry and the Tourism Ministry.
To stimulate the economy during the event, each region will involve hundreds of MSMEs to actively participate during the event at each stopover for the racers.
"We want to develop sports tourism and boost the NTT economy. Each stage, every night, will feature cultural performances and involve community participation," he remarked.
According to the governor, all local heads at the city and district levels in NTT are currently finalizing preparations to ensure the cycling event not only focuses on sports tourism but also contributes positively to the regional economy.
The Tour de EnTeTe is planned to feature more than 100 professional racers from Indonesia and abroad, divided into 20 teams: six teams (30 riders) from Indonesia and the remaining 14 teams (70 riders) from abroad.
Countries that have shown interest in participating in this event include Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Australia, New Zealand, China, and Japan. Hong Kong and Taiwan have also expressed interest in participating in the event.
The Tour de EnTeTe will cover 10 stages across the three main islands of East Nusa Tenggara: Timor, Sumba, and Flores.
This international cycling event will start in Kupang City and conclude in Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai District.
The cities along the 10 stages of the 2025 Tour de EnTeTe are Kupang City-Kefamenanu, Kefamenanu-Atambua (via Wini and Motaain), Atambua-SoE, Tanarara-Waingapu (Loop), Waingapu-Waibakul-Waikabubak-Tambolaka, Larantuka (Tanjung Bunga)-Maumere, Maumere-Ende, Ende-Bajawa, Bajawa-Ruteng, and Ruteng-Labuan Bajo.
"Everything is in the preparation stage, and we will finalize the details soon," Lena concluded.
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Translator: Rolandus Nampu, Martha Herlinawati Simanjuntak
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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