Published on June 8, 2014
Flagged off by Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Mari Elka Pangestu, accompanied by Governor of West Sumatra, Irwan Prayitno, and other officials, the 6th edition of Tour de Singkarak sped off on Saturday, 7th June 2014. The first stage took competing cyclists from the start line at Padang Pariaman to the Gandoriah Beach in Pariaman as the Finish line.
The competing athletes began their race from the Municipal building of Padang Pariaman’s at 13.00 Western Indonesia Time, to take on the first stage covering a 98.5km route before arriving at Gandoriah Beach, Pariaman at 16.00 West Indonesia Time.
Featuring a relatively flat course with three sprint spots: Pakandangan (Km31), Lubuk Alum (Km50.5), and Pariaman (Km80), this is the shortest stage in the Tour de Singkarak 2014.
Gandoriah Beach Pariaman
After cycling for over two hours, Japanese national team’s cyclist, Kohei Uchima emerged victorious with time recorded at 2 hours 11 minutes 15 seconds. Yusuf Mohamed from the United Arab Emirate’s National Team took on second place, and Skydive Dubai Team’s cyclist from Spain, Oscar Pujol Munoz followed on third.
Meanwhile, Aiman Cahyadi became the first Indonesian cyclist to cross the finish line, recording the time of 2:11:54. With the results, Uchima became the first cyclist to wear the Yellow Jersey, and Aiman the first to wear the Red and White Jersey in Tour de Singkarak 2014.
The race will continue its 2nd stage on Sunday, 8th June 2014. Cyclists from 23 countries will take on the longer route of 123 Kilometers from Pasaman to West Pasaman.
Hosting the finish line of the first stage of Tour de Singkarak 2014, Gandoriah Beach is the site of the Tabuik ritual celebrations in Pariaman. Located some 60Km from Padang, capital of West Sumatra, the beach offers a beautiful view at sunset. Pariaman also serves fresh seafood as its culinary specialty.
