JAKARTA, May 10 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia planned to hold an international cycling event sanctioned by world's cycling sport governing body, UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale), in eastern province of Maluku in September this year.
Some 120 cyclists from 30 countries and regions are expected to take part in the tourism sports event, called Tour de Moluccas (TdM), scheduled from September 18 to 22.
"Sports tourism has high news value, therefore it can be an effective way to promote tourism and give direct economy impacts to the areas passed by the race," Indonesian Tourism Minister Arief Yahya said on Wednesday.
The minister added that the international cycling event is part of the nation's efforts to receive 15 million foreign visitors targeted this year.
In the same occasion, Maluku Governor Said Assagaff said cyclists taking part in the TdM would pass through 5-stage 802.1-kilometer route in the province's exotic terrains.
Starting from this year, the TdM is planned to be an annual event in the province, the governor said.
TdM Project Leader Jamaluddin Mahmood said cyclists will be spoiled by beautiful sceneries and challenging tracks along the way to get to finish line.
He added that Maluku had long been famous as the spice island during the colonial period in Indonesia, therefore it would highly attract cyclists from European countries which had historical connections with the island.
