The Bike for Kids competition held around the Angkorian temple complex in Siem Reap on Saturday morning was deemed a great success by organisers, with over 800 participants including 403 foreigners from 41 different countries.

The annual event is run by charity organisation Village Focus International (VFI) to help raise money for underprivileged children in the Kingdom.

According to National Olympic Committee of Cambodia secretary general Vath Chamroeun, a shift from the usual start and finish location in front of Angkor Wat to next to the Terrace of the Elephants near Bayon temple did not deter from the overall feel of the race.

“We attracted more participants and we also raised more money and got more sponsorship,” said Vath Chamroeun, who acted at the race director.

Riders were split into three male and female categories – 17km, 30km and 100km.

In the blue ribboned men’s 100km section, Cambodian cyclists filled out the top three slots with Kim San in first, Kim Yura second and the third place Phoung Sophy.

Heng Sivlang, meanwhile, continued her dominance of female cycling events, crossing the line first before Britain’s Angela Royle and Kimberley Ames of the US.

Home grown talent also filled out the podiums in both the men’s and women’s 30km competitions. Bo Makara beat compatriots La Moslim and Odom Bunnath for men’s glory, while Heng Sivlang’s sister Sivgech triumphed in the women’s. Second and third places were claimed by Pen Sokly and Vong Sokheng respectively.