Cambodia hosts intl bike race at Angkor world heritage site

About 770 Cambodian and international cyclists took part in the Angkor International Bike Race on Saturday at the complex of the Angkor Wat Temple, a World Heritage Site.

Cambodia's Tourism Minister Thong Khon, president of the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC), said the event drew 400 foreign cyclists from 32 countries and 370 Cambodian athletes.

"This event is really important to contribute to developing sports and tourism fields," he said. "The presence from all participants is a sign of supporting the movement in protecting the environment, green house gas and air pollution. It is also the encouragement to use bicycles as a mean for transportation."

The proceeds of the event will partly go to local charities including the Cambodian Red Cross.

According to the results released by the NOCC, the men's 100-km race was awarded to Cambodian cyclist Yoeun Phyuth in a time of 2: 55:51, Cambodian Meas Lucky finished second in 2:55:52, and Swiss Gadient Simon came at third with the period of 2:55:53.

The women's 100-km race was won by Dutch Zwetsloot Jolanda, who finished in 3:07:08, American Price Barbara took the second place in 3:17:20, and American Ames Kimberly came at third in 3:18:23.

Besides, there were 30-km men and women bike races.

Angkor Wat Temple, the country's largest tourism destination, is situated some 315 kilometers northwest of Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia.

The site attracted 2 million foreign visitors last year, and some 1.57 million in the first nine months of this year, according to the Ministry of Tourism.

Sourced: Cambodia News