Another exciting cycling race awaits sports enthusiasts in East Java!
Combining the thrill of a cycling race with the natural wonders of Ijen crater and the scenic beauty of Banyuwangi Regency, the International Tour de Banyuwangi-Ijen (ITdBI) 2018 will take place from the 26th to 29th September 2018.
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Recognized by Union Cycliste International (UCI) with a 90 points status entering its 7th edition, this annual cycling race has chosen the theme: “Spirit of Blue Fire” highlighting the unique and spectacular phenomenon known as the Blue Fire at Ijen crater. This year, the race will cover the complete distance of 599 Kilometers, divided into 4 stages, where each stage promises some of Banyuwangi’s phenomenal beauty.
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The first stage will start at the Bajulmati Folk Market in the Wongsorejo sub-district. At this stage, riders will take on a 137.7 Km track along a beautiful shoreline, across green rice paddies and fruit plantations. The 2nd stage starts from the Kakao Village in the Glenmore sub-district which will be the longest in the tour, covering a total distance of 180.9Km. Here, riders will race along a river bank and across rice paddies facing imposing Mount Raung. The third and most anticipated stage will start from the Muncar Fishing Port to the foot of Mount Ijen.
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Covering a total distance of 116.3 km, the track will take riders across traditional fishing village all the way to brooding Mount Ijen. The 4th and final stage will be from Pondok Pesantren Blokagung (the Islamic Study Center), finishing at the office of the Banyuwangi Regency. Along the route, riders will be treated with some of the most appealing views of the Regency, from magnificent beaches and fishing villages all the way to lush green fields and amazing mountains.
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Tourism Minister, Arief Yahya expressed his high appreciation for the staging of this year’s Tour de Banyuwangi-Ijen which has received the excellent status of 90 points from UCI (Union Cycliste International). “ The
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Surrounded by a landscape of lush coffee plantations and dramatic volcanic scenery, Mt. Ijen is a quiet but active volcano with a stunning natural beauty that draws visitors from around the world. The sparkling and flashing turquoise sulfur at Ijen crater lake which lies 2,148 m above sea level, is surrounded by sheer crater walls. One of the most astounding features of Mount Ijen is its unique blue flames that regularly spark out of the crater, lighting up the night sky.
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Today, next to avid cyclists, the Regency of Banyuwangi attracts world-class surfers to its southern shores, beachcombers along Pulau Merah island, and trekkers to admire the Alas Purwo game reserve.
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