Get ready, cyclists! The Island Circuit Challenge on the beautiful Bintan Island in the Riau Archipelago is about to reignite the competition. The grueling 6th edition of the event will combine sports and tourism, and the race around Bintan Island will kick off from April 1st to 3rd, 2016.
With the support of the Indonesian Tourism Board, this 11-kilometer race introduces more challenging terrain compared to previous individual time trials (ITT) around Bintan Island. It will include winding, hilly, and twisting mountain roads, testing riders' skills, speed, power, and their ability to race against time. The course connects with the Kagoi Bay, where the Ria Bintan Resort is located. Despite this, the first stage of the event will still prohibit the use of time trial bikes, aerodynamic helmets, and disc wheels. Both the 2013 champion Pierre-Alain Scherwey and last year's runner-up Bastian Dohling must adhere to the regulations set by the time trial officials. However, whether the 2014 champion team’s Kenyan rider, Ayub Gathurima, will successfully defend his title remains unknown. Over 700 riders have already registered for the event.
For the 6th edition, the organizing committee, Meta Sports, has once again chosen the Nirwana Gardens Resort as the event center, just 9 kilometers from the start and finish line at Plaza Lagoi Bay.
Top teams, including the CCN World Alliance Team (Allied World CCN), Specialized Mavericks, Scherwey Team, and Dohling Team, will be the main contenders for the team championship and have a chance to win the S$8,000 prize. However, they will face fierce competition from strong local teams. A large influx of tourists and spectators is expected on Bintan Island, as the event has become one of Southeast Asia's premier amateur cycling races.
In the women’s competition, 2014 Melaka champion Grace Phang may return to defend her title at the Bintan race. If she participates, she will face challenges from several talented female riders from Singapore and the Wormall CCS Team based in Perth, Australia.
As with previous editions, the first stage of the race includes Category 1 (Cat 1), Category 2 (Cat 2) races, and a women's event, which also serves as a qualifier for the Category 2 race. The top 100 fastest riders will advance to the first stage of the main race on the morning of Saturday, April 2nd, 2016. Those eliminated from the ITT category will compete in Category 3.
As always, the highlight of the 2016 Tour de Bintan will be the famous first stage of the main race, spanning 150 kilometers through Bintan's central region. Although the route does not include significant climbs, it is one of the few flatter segments in the race. The organizing committee has arranged many aid stations along the rolling terrain, and the temperature and humidity will provide a perfect environment for intense competition.
The most distinctive part of the first stage is the “Red Road” section, which starts from the village of Simpang Lagoi and reaches the coast after 22 kilometers. Along the way, riders will enjoy beautiful views, and after a 13-kilometer short and fast climb, they will reach a coastline framed by lush greenery and red soil.
The event will conclude with the second stage on Sunday morning, a 107-kilometer route through Bintan’s picturesque northwest region. Although the second stage lacks the undulations of the first stage, there are a few hilly sections, including an 8-kilometer stretch connecting the Bintan Resort to Greater Bintan Island. Riders will pass through Charlie Safety Checkpoint. The final hilltop before the second round will be crucial for the sprint to claim the “King of the Mountain” title and the final acceleration to secure victory in the race. However, the second stage will be remembered for the thrilling final sprint as riders race toward Nirwana Gardens after crossing the finish line.
What makes the Tour de Bintan especially appealing is its strategic location. Just an hour by boat from the bustling port of Singapore, Bintan Island feels like a different world. The lush landscape, tranquil nature, and cyclist-friendly roads contrast with the noise of modern metropolitan cities. Ferries from Singapore, Malaysia, and Batam Island regularly run to Bintan Island. Currently, Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, and Sriwijaya Air offer many flights from Jakarta to Tanjung Pinang’s new airport.
For more information and registration, please visit: tourdebintan.com
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