Cambodia to host international cycling race early next year
September 4, 2010 10:49 am
PHNOM PENH, Sept. 3 — Cambodia has planned to host an international cycling race early next year to boost tourism sector and promote more awareness of Cambodia's rich culture, a senior National Olympic Committee official said Friday.
Vath Chamroeun, secretary general of Cambodia's National Olympic Committee said the cycling race dubbed "Tour of Cambodia, Kingdom of Wonder" will be held on Feb. 2-6, 2011.
He said as planned, about 120 cyclists from more than 40 countries and regions around the globe will take part in the five-day tournament.
The race will be as long as 750 kilometers and will start from Cambodia's northern province of Siem Reap to other parts of the country that include Banteay Meanchey, Battambang, Pursat, Kompong Chhnang, Kandal, Phnom Penh, Kompong Cham and finally back to Phnom Penh.
He said it will be the first time for Cambodia to host such international cycling race and it will be sponsored by International Cycling Union (ICU) with an estimate cost of about US$ 3 million.
During the race, he said, at least one helicopter will be used for documentary footage of the race and will be displayed worldwide.
Vath Chamroeun said, ICU, decided to choose Cambodia as a place for the race because the country is now comfortable with infrastructure, good security, cultural sites and famous touristic sites such as Angkor Wat Temple, while, on the other hand, the sports sector is still poor in this country.
Through the race, Vath Chamroeun, said he is confident that the world will better know Cambodia, especially, the ancient temples and the green scenery. (PNA/Xinhua) vcs/utb
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