Cyclists sprint away from the start during the 2018 WURKZ Mountain Bike Series, in the final round at Kirirom Mountain. CHHORN NORN
The WURKZ Mountain Bike Series 2022 has reached another level of professionalism with the introduction of a modern technology called Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) – sophisticated tracking equipment which will guarantee accuracy and fairness in the upcoming racing events. This year the event returns to a five-round season, from May to December.
Event organiser and founder Pierre Yves Catry said: “The Mountain Bike Series in the new season will use an RFID system, which are tags linked to the bikes that record results of the competition and transfer them automatically to a computer. The new system – when combined with results from the scoring jury – will make the scoring process more accurate.”
Mountain bike expert Yves Catry made the remarks at an April 23 press conference, where he expressed his pleasure that this year’s Kampot round would take place, after being cancelled last year due to Covid-19. He was also pleased to announce the introduction of a new Siem Reap round, meaning that the series would be contested over five events.
Yves Catry – who is also the representative of key organisers Flying Bikes 2 – said: “We are pleased to add the two rounds in Kampot and Siem Reap [provinces]. A five-round tour is sure to make the event more attractive to riders.”
The event was organised by Flying Bikes 2 with the support of the Cambodian Cycling Federation and the exclusive sponsorship of WURKZ, an energy drink brand produced by Khmer Beverages Co Ltd. However, there is a change in venue as the Siem Reap round replaces the former location of Phnom Prasidh.
Nou Chamroeun, secretary-general of the cycling federation, told The Post: “The relocation to Siem Reap was made because we want to increase the abilities and technical levels of our national riders. The Phnom Kulen, Banteay Srei district race course in Siem Reap is a standard venue and also the track our national team train on. Phnom Prasidh no longer has a place for us to race because of increased urban development.”
According to the schedule, the first round will be held in Kampot on May 1, followed by the second round in Kampong Speu province on July 3. Siem Reap hosts racing on October 16, with the fourth round in the capital’s Prek Leap on November 20, while the fifth and final round will be held in Kampong Speu’s Kirirom on December 18. Chamroeun considers the event an important source in the development of professional bike racers who go on to compete on the international stage.
“This event has contributed to the development and growth of the sport of mountain biking in the Kingdom. Many national team riders have been selected to represent the country because of their success in these races,” he said.
Kong Kosal, marketing director of Khmer Beverages, said at the press conference: “With such a large number of participants in the mountain bike events of the past few years, and with the events having run so smoothly and successfully, the company decided to continue its sponsorship and bring this great event to the public.”
