Hong Kong Cycling Festival draws elite riders, new routes
Chief Secretary for Administration attends 2026 Sun Hung Kai Properties Hong Kong Cycling Festival awards, praising the event's new 'five tunnels, three bridges' route, elite international teams, and its role in promoting sports tourism under the city's new five-year plan.
The Chief Secretary for Administration attended the 2026 Sun Hung Kai Properties Hong Kong Cycling Festival awards ceremony on 11 October, organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board. He congratulated all winning riders, noting their effort, speed and endurance had brought a dynamic morning to Hong Kong.
The festival was not just a competition but a city-wide sports celebration, he said, with professional cyclists, residents and tourists all participating enthusiastically. This year's highlights included a Union Cycliste Internationale category 1.1 road race that connected landmarks such as the Anglers' Bridge, Kai Tak Sports Park and the Hong Kong Palace Museum. Seventeen top professional teams with nearly 100 elite riders competed across iconic bridges and scenic spots, showcasing the city's unique urban landscape.
The 56-kilometre event introduced a new 'five tunnels, three bridges' route for the first time, combining multiple landmarks and the city skyline. The Chief Secretary said participants experienced a charm 'only in Hong Kong'. The Tourism Board also held a cycling carnival at the West Kowloon Cultural District, blending music and sport with interactive experiences for all attendees.
He emphasised that such events demonstrate how sport can drive tourism and how mega-events can unite the community. The Chief Secretary referred to the five-year plan announced by the Chief Executive last month and the 2026 Policy Address, which outline Hong Kong's tourism development direction and measures to deepen cultural, sports and tourism synergies. The Cycling Festival was cited as a prime example of 'sports plus mega-events'.
The government will continue linking activities with tourism to attract more visitors from home and abroad, further building Hong Kong's status as Asia's events capital. The Chief Secretary thanked the Hong Kong Tourism Board staff, the title sponsor Sun Hung Kai Properties, other sponsors and supporting organisations for their full commitment and effort in making the event a success. He concluded by congratulating all winners and wishing participants an enjoyable experience, encouraging continued support for the festival and other events to showcase Hong Kong's vitality.