The Smart Cambodian Mountain Bike Series 2013 takes an exciting turn as Kampong Speu provides the perfect backdrop for the fourth round on Sunday.

A fierce on-going rivalry between Ngul Lech and Yoeun Phyuth, separated by just one point in the standings after three rounds, will be stirred up when the two clash again in the Elite A1 class.

Cheers will be loudest for 18-year-old Phyuth, who happens to be a hometown boy and is all set to go wheel-to-wheel with his seasoned challenger Lech as the two try to pedal their way to winning glory again.

Phyuth exploded on his bike at Silk Island off the Mekong river near Phnom Penh in the series opener on April 21 to make his EY Cycling team proud.

Lech responded with great vitality by mastering the rugged hills of Kep in the second stage on May 19 to keep his Flying Bikes flag fluttering.

When the series returned to Phnom Penh’s Preak Leap track on June 9, it was Phyuth who stole the show again with a win, although Lech grabbed third place to go with his second and first placings to stay in pole position.

The two robust riders now mount their bikes almost on level footing with their sights firmly fixed on the championship title.

The Elite class riders, experienced as they are, will go round six laps of a 2.5km course through challenging terrain with steep climbs putting their stamina and endurance to a severe test.

There are competitions in seven other categories stretching from the A2 Expert class for over-30-year-olds down to the K class for kids 13 and younger and including events for women, juniors and novices.

According to event organiser Pierre-Yves Catry, around 150 participants are expected to take part in Sunday’s fourth round.

While the route and number of laps differ from one category to the next, the kids will ride a short track around a pagoda, approximately one kilometre laps, four times.

Entry registrations close today, with fees set at: students (18 and below) $3; Cambodian adults $8; and foreigners $15.

Transportation charge for students is $3, while for Cambodian adults it is $5 and foreigners $10. The prizes on offer include trophies, medals, cash incentives and bicycle accessories.

For registration contact Smey on 098 806 035, or by emailing either [email protected] or [email protected].