SITIAWAN: More than 3,000 local and international cyclists set off at dawn for the inaugural RHB West Coast Expressway (WCE) ride here today.
Besides Malaysia, the cyclists came from 19 countries, namely Argentina, Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, Canada, China, Denmark, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea, the Netherlands, Norway, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Participants rode one of four routes running 160km, 90km, 28km and 14km along the closed West Coast Expressway E32.
Over 830 contestants participated in the 160km century route.
For this category, Abdul Syazwan Abdul Rahman took the lead in the Energetic category, Muhammad Khairul Azizi Abdullah won the Dynamic race, while Azizulazli Shaari took top spot in the Legendary category.
Yeong Zhen Yi walked away the champion in the women's race.
The Seven Cycle cycling team emerged as the champion of the 160km corporate team event.
For the 90km race, Chiang Jia Cheng took top spot in the Energetic category, Saiful Bahril Sahidan emerged as the champion of the Dynamic category, and Hafzi Arifin won the Legendary category. Ong Siew Kei won the women's 90km event.
The route took riders along the scenic, newly-completed WCE alignment, including the recently opened Taiping Selatan WCE Section 11.
The event was flagged off by Works Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Hasnol Zam Zam Ahmad.
RHB Banking Group managing director Mohd Rashid Mohamad said the event, held on a closed highway, ensured the participants' safety.
"Our inclusive categories and secure routes ensure that cyclists of all fitness levels, ages and genders can safely participate with peace of mind," he said.
The event also aimed to support local tourism during the landmark Visit Perak Year 2024, he added.
Meanwhile, West Coast Expressway Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Lyndon Alfred Felix said they were grateful for the immense support received from partners, stakeholders, volunteers, and local authorities.
"We look forward to hosting more of such events in the future," he added.