Klojen (malangkota.go.id) – Acting Mayor of Malang Dr. Ir. Wahyu Hidayat, MM sent off participants of “Rolling Into 110 Years: Join Malang's Bike Festivity”, Wednesday (1/5/2024). A total of 493 participants were sent off simultaneously by the Acting Mayor of Malang from Malang City Hall which will later finish in the yard of the Mini Block Office (MBO) of Malang City. Hundreds of road bike enthusiasts looked very enthusiastic about following the cycling event which was a collaboration between the Malang City Government (Pemkot) and Mainsepeda.
Acting Mayor of Malang, Wahyu Hidayat said that Malang City has great potential in developing bicycle-based tourism, so that this event is a step to realize sports tourism in Malang City. "We are very grateful that this event is not only attended by cyclists from Malang City or East Java. But there are also those from Bali and Kalimantan. By coming here, they will be able to get to know Malang City, both from its tourism and others," he said.
Furthermore, Wahyu explained that with the commitment of Malang City to develop sports tourism, it will certainly also have an impact on the economic sector, such as an increase in hotel visits as well as culinary and tourist destinations in Malang City. "Hopefully, there will be more events that support sports tourism, not only cycling. That way, there will be a lot of sports tourism that can be enjoyed in Malang City. The hope is that Malang City will be better known. Participants can visit Malang City again, enjoy the culinary and various tours available. Thus, the number of our visits will increase, the economic turnover will also increase," he continued.
The joint cycling which was also held to enliven the 110th Anniversary of Malang City is also expected to be a motivation for the people of Malang City to be more active in sports, especially cycling. The goal is to create quality human resources (HR) with strong physique. "Not only to celebrate the long history of Malang City with its various development achievements, but also to be our commitment to protecting the environment and health," said Wahyu.
Meanwhile, Mainsepeda Founder, Azrul Ananda expressed his appreciation for the enthusiasm of the Malang City Government and the cyclist community in Malang City in this activity. "Around 500 people were involved, looking very enthusiastic and united. Very impressive," said Azrul.
Azrul said that the route around Malang City to the Dau slope and back to Malang City with a total length of 53 kilometers is quite challenging although not too long. With a diverse area contour, according to him, cycling in Malang Raya is very enjoyable because not all areas have such potential.
"Malang Raya has mountains, there is also a sea. It should be a cyclist city. Moreover, Malang City is also supported by easy transportation, its location is strategic, the air is cool, and the infrastructure is complete. There are many hotels, delicious food so it is suitable for cyclists as well as for vacations," concluded Azrul.
One of the participants of this event, Ilham Dzikri Ramadan who comes from the Nusantara Jogjakarta Community said that he was very challenged and happy to cycle in Malang City. "The city is nice and the air is cool, good for cycling. Hopefully in the future there will be more races in Malang City, more crowded, more participants. I am challenged to join again if there is a race in Malang City," said the participant who was also the fastest finisher in the male category. (ari/yul)
