President José Ramos-Horta Announces International Cycling Event

The TOUR DE TIMOR - AUGUST 24^TH - 28^TH 2009

"President of Timor-Leste and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Dr. Jose Ramos-Horta today announced the inaugural Tour de Timor-Leste bicycle race which will run from August 24th to 28th 2009.

Tour de Timor-Leste is a multi-stage bicycle race that is open to Timor-Leste and International cyclists. While the precise length of the race is yet to be determined, it could be as long as 350km. Future announcements will provide more details and the race will be run in association with the Timor-Leste Cycling Federation. However, it is certain that the course will be designed to take riders through many of the most spectacular terrains of Timor-Leste: from high mountain ranges to tropical jungle, and along the long, undulating coastlines.

There will be both individual and team categories using international cycling standards and rules of racing. The cumulative times of each rider will be counted to give the overall points which will determine the final results.

The first of what will be an annual event in this country, Tour de Timor-Leste is being billed as a major sporting challenge but one delivered in the spirit of international peace. As President Ramos-Horta described it, “We Timorese have had the benefit of extraordinary international support for our commitment to the creation of a democratic, inclusive, and harmonious society. As we move towards achieving that goal, it is fitting that we celebrate our potential with friends and neighbours from across Timor-Leste and from overseas. Tour de Timor-Leste will bring people together in a spirit of friendly competition, where ultimately everyone’s a winner”." (Tour de Timor)