Message by Chong Him Shoong, President of Kelab
Roadrunners Ipoh
“We
feel we have a responsibility to deliver what is expected of the cycling
community in Malaysia particularly, but also around the region, for this event
has come to attract large numbers from beyond our shores.”
Welcome back to the 6th Edition of
Century Ride Malaysia! The response to
this year’s event has been nothing short of phenomenal. As I write this, the
number has reached 1,600 and we have another ten weeks to the event with
registration forms continuing to flow in steadily everyday.
However, for the safety of our riders and to
ensure that they enjoy the event to the fullest, we cannot allow the numbers to
escalate beyond what we are able to control, in terms of safety, efficient
organization, fun factor, and overall pleasant experience for all involved. It
is for this reason that we have to cap the number at 1,700 and we apologise
most sincerely to the many who register their interest to participate beyond
this number, whom we very regrettably will have to turn away.
The CRM organizing committee takes this
opportunity to thank cycling enthusiasts everywhere for playing such an
important part in taking this annual event to such giddy heights. Without you, it would not be possible, and it
is for you that we do it, year in year out.
We feel we have a responsibility to deliver what is expected of the
cycling community for this event has come to attract large numbers from beyond
our shores.
In short, CRM is a premier event. We will continue to work hard to keep it an
event cyclists look forward to coming back to, year after year.
Each year, CRM attracts two primary types of cyclists: (i) more seasoned
athletes who train hard to master this marathon cycling event and, (ii) those
who aim simply to complete the distance.
We recognize and salute the challenge that each cyclist has taken upon
himself or herself, and we want to motivate all participants in achieving their
personal goals as well as to reward hard work.
In this regard, we have increased our prizes to be given away to top
finishers across all categories.
We will have specially trained marshalls,
police escorts, traffic controllers etc, in bigger numbers this year, all to
guide riders safely to the finish line.
I wish to stress that we value safety and careful riding above all else,
hence traffic and course control will be a key challenge. In view of the large numbers may I urge all
cyclists to ride safely and sensibly, give thoughtful consideration to fellow
participants, and exercise caution at every turn, so that all will enjoy the
ride.
I wish to thank the Perak State Government
for their continued support of this prime event, particularly in conjunction
with Visit Perak Year 2012, as well as all to our valued Sponsors, not least of
which is our Venue Sponsor, Kinta Riverfront Hotel and Residences and our local
and overseas sponsors.
Thank you, riders, for your support. Have fun, enjoy the ride and see you at the
finish line!
