The annual Kirirom Mountain Bike Challenge will return to the wooded hills of the eponymous national park in Kampong Speu province for its eighth edition this Sunday.

Chiefly organised by Comin Khmere, an engineering solution provider established in the Kingdom in 1992 but now with branches in all three neighbouring countries, the event is set to feature a Cambodian-record field of 300 riders.

Participants will compete across nine different classes of age and ability, including Expert, Intermediate and Novice Levels and Easy Level classes for both women and kids under 14 years old.

Registration can be made via the official website, with entrance fees now set at $8 for Cambodian students, $10 for Cambodian adults and $25 for foreigners.

According to the website, riders from 13 countries have signed up to compete.

The race is scheduled to get under way at 8:45am with the main A1 and A2 classes slated for action between 1pm - 2:30pm.     

“All the previous years, Comin Khmere organised the event by themselves, and they have done a great job so far. From this edition on they will be supported by the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia, the Cambodia Cycling Federation and the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport,” said Von Thon, General Secretary of the Cambodia Cycling Federation.

NOCC Secretary-General Vath Chamroeun acknowledged the support from main sponsors Smart Mobile and Total in hosting the competition.

“The Kirirom Mountain Bike Challenge is made possible through private companies supporting the event,” he said.