RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The long-awaited comeback of the Tour de Bintan in 2026 is set to provide Indonesian cyclists with a crucial platform to sharpen their skills and collect international ranking points.

Officially listed on the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) calendar as a 1.2-point race, the event offers athletes the chance to boost their global standings without competing abroad--an opportunity that comes just weeks before the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya.

After a four-year hiatus since 2022, Tour de Bintan will run from August 21–23, 2026 in the Riau Islands. Event coordinator Raja Azmizal Usman emphasized the significance of the race.

“We are working with the Indonesian Cycling Federation (ICF). Athletes who want to prepare for international events after August can use Tour de Bintan as a training ground,” he said during a press conference in Jakarta on Thursday, May 21, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

Organizers confirmed that national athletes, including those from the training camp, will have wide access to participate alongside international competitors, particularly from Singapore and Malaysia. “We welcome Indonesian athletes to join. The highlight this year is the UCI 1.2-point race status,” Raja added.

Beyond its upgraded competition level, Tour de Bintan 2026 introduces a refreshed visual identity, signaling a new chapter for the event. Chief Operating Officer of Bintan Resorts, Abdul Wahab, described the relaunch as transformative. “The year 2026 marks the transformation of Tour de Bintan,” he said.

Safety standards will follow UCI regulations, with dedicated safety managers and medical teams on-site.

The event targets 700 participants across five categories: Gran Fondo Classic (150 km), Gran Fondo Century (100 km), Gran Fondo Challenge (70 km), Gran Fondo Discovery (45 km), and Individual Time Trial (17 km).

Known for its scenic coastal routes, smooth roads, and minimal traffic, Tour de Bintan has long been recognized as one of Southeast Asia’s premier cycling events.

Organized by Bintan Resorts, the same destination behind the Bintan Triathlon and Bintan Marathon, the race promises a professionally managed competition with a festive atmosphere.

The return of Tour de Bintan not only revives a celebrated sporting tradition but also positions Indonesia as a stronger player in the international cycling arena. ***