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Published on April 2, 2014

The 6th Tour de Singkarak is confirmed to be held from 7th to 15 June 2014, covering 1,250 km taking in stunning scenic landscapes from seashore to steep valleys, past rushing waterfalls and serene crater lakes of the fascinating land of the Minangkabau in West Sumatra.

Approaching its 6th year, the Tour de Singkarak is now recognized and ranked 5th in the world of cycling competition, said Sapta Nirwandar, Deputy Minister for Tourism and the Creative Economy, initiator of Tour de Singkarak and Chair of the Organizing Committee.

This year the course will cover 1,250 km of challenging routes, through 18 districts and towns, an increase from the 1,000 km last year covering 17 districts and towns.

Already confirmed participation are teams from Europe, Italy, Belgium and Australia. Expected participation will be 25 foreign and 4 Indonesian teams. Prizes have also increased to Rp. 1.3 billion from Rp. 1.2 billion in 2013.

Meanwhile, the provincial government of West Sumatra is committed to ensure the readiness of the course, accommodation facilities, and tourist attractions. There will be festivities, music and cultural performances and an array of culinary presentations to welcome participants and onlookers alike.

The 1,250 km course will be taken in 9 stages with the Start at the town of Padang Pariaman by the beach called Pantai Tiram and the Finish Line in the province’s capital city of Padang. The course will take participants through West Sumatra’s best attractions, notably the Ngarai Sianok Canyon near Bukittinggi, the revitalized coal mining town of Sawahlunto, the serene Lake Singkarak, the Palace of Pagaruyung, and not to forget its sumptuous Rendang food and entire buffets of delectable dishes.

Facing the deep Indian Ocean, West Sumatra is known for its beautiful lush mountain scenery, many large lakes, waterfalls and canyons and long coastline. The islands of Mentawai, off its west coast are world-renowned for its rolling surf, a tropical paradise for surfers. Culturally, the people of Minangkabau adhere to a unique matrilineal system, where land and house are inherited through maternal line, although men continue to remain dominant. West Sumatra is also famous for its fine glittering textiles, called “songket” , meticulously hand-woven with silver and gold thread. Its icons are the unique saddle-shaped traditional houses with their sharp pointed roofs, and of course their delicious caramelized beef called “rendang”.

Many flights connect its capital Padang with Jakarta, Medan and other cities in Indonesia. From overseas, there are frequent flights to Padang’s international airport from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.