Miri makes history with pump track for cyclists

Ting (10th right) and Yii (ninth right, wearing white shirt) give the thumbs up to the track at Taman Bulatan. 

MIRI (March 16) Malaysia’s first Velosolutions Pump Track, located at Taman Bulatan here, was unveiled yesterday, marking a milestone for cycling enthusiasts in the country.

A pump track is a specially constructed circuit with undulating terrain to allow cyclists to ride via ‘pumping’ (up and down motions) instead of pedalling.

Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts Sarawak Datuk Sebastian Ting, who officiated at the event, hailed the world-class facility as the first of its kind in Malaysia.

“This has put Miri on the global map via the Velosolutions Pump Track community.

“With the completion of this track, Miri joins the ranks of 1,187 Velosolutions Pump Tracks worldwide.

“This is an excellent moment, a milestone not only for Miri but also for Malaysia. We are proud to be home to the first Velosolutions Pump Track in the country,” he told reporters after the launch.

Ting, the assemblyman for Piasau, said that the track, costing RM600,000, should further boost the local sports tourism industry as it would attract riders, both local and international, to come to Miri and Sarawak.

This, he said, would indirectly boost the local and state economy.

The facility would benefit the community here, especially the younger generation, by providing a space to train and become professionals in the sport, he added.

“With the rise of pump track racing worldwide, this facility provides an opportunity for local athletes to train and potentially compete on international platforms such as the Red Bull UCI Pump Track World Championships,” he said.

The project was a collaboration between Ting’s office, the Miri City Council (MCC) and Chorts Incorporation (a partner of Malaysia Velosolutions).

Also present was Pujut assemblyman Mayor Adam Yii.