Tour de Singkarak 2009 Grand Opening “The Soul of Minangkabau” April 29, 2009.

The upcoming Tour de Singkarak 2009 held by the Ministry of Culture & Tourism Republic of Indonesia and ICF (Indonesian Cycling Federation) is considered as one of most prestigious Cycling Race Class 2.2. in Asia and 25 team will compete in the tour, which will be held from April 29 to May 3, 2009. The Tour is divided into 4 stages and will take place around several destinations in West Sumatera such as Padang, Bukit Tinggi, Sawahlunto, Solok, Singkarak Lake and Kembar (Twin) Lake. 15 teams are foreign team consist of China (Trek Marcopolo Cycling), Iran (Azad University Iran, Tabriz Petrochemical & Vali ASR), Qatar (Doha Team), Japan (Aisan Racing Team & Bridgestone Anchor), Australia (Team Budget Forklifts), Thailand (Thailand Cycling Association), Hongkong (Team Champion System & Hongkong Cycling Team), New Zealand (Tineli Collosi), Malaysia (Malaysian Armed Force), China Taipei (Team Fuji Asia) and the Philippines (Jazy Sports-Beacon). The other 10 teams are local Indonesia participant as follow: Custom Cycling Club, Pengrov ISSI West Sumatera, Polygon Sweet Nice (2 tim), West Java Cycling Team, Kutai Kartanegara Cycling Team, Araya Indonesia, Program Atlet Andalan (P.A.L. Indonesia), Dodol Picnic Garut, Pengprov ISSI Yogyakarta dan Bintang Karangan Cycling Club (BKCC). Each team consist of 6-7 Riders and 3 Officials. Tour de Singkarak 2009 Grand Opening will be held tonight, April 29, 2009 on 19.30 GMT +07.00 at GOR Agus Salim Padang, West Sumatera. The Opening Ceremony is a symbolic “beduk” (local drum) play by the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Republic of Indonesia H.E. Jero Wacik, followed by participants introduction, and then end by “The Soul of Minangkabau” show featuring popular Indonesian artist such as Dwiki Dharmawan, Candil, Andien, Elly Kasim, Ita Purnamasari, Zalmon, Singgih Sanjaya & “The Soul of Minangkau”, Iis Dahlia, Denis Junio and M Halim Group Performance. Prof. Dr. Ir. H. James Hellyward, MS. Head of West Sumatera Tourism Office, said that Tour de Singkarak 2009 is greatly expected to promote Indonesia as an international tourist destination, particularly West Sumatera as one of the most popular tourist destination in Indonesia. This event has been proposed to be an annual event and has been listed in the UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale).