The Cambodian cycling fraternity took up the 2013 Thansur Bokor Challenge on Sunday in Kampot, with over 100 riders powering up the road on Bokor Mountain to the cooler climes of the summit.

Flying Bikes Team, whose affiliated Flying Bikes 2 Shop was one of the co-organisers of the event alongside Thansur Bokor Resort, the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia and Kampot Express, scored a string of podium places including the top two spots in the Elite class.

Twenty-nine-year-old local Eng Lin took the overall honours, completing the 47km uphill course in a time of 1 hour, 44 minutes and 59 seconds, only two seconds ahead of younger team-mate Ngul Lech. MCT’s Seang Yutha finished third a further three minutes back.

In the novice Sport class raced over 32km, MCT’s 18-year-old rider Seang Kheang edged Angkor Cycling Club’s Pen Sovong, 17, by seven seconds to capture the title in 1:32:02. Flying Bikes Team’s Keo Rotha showed real promise for a 16-year-old by taking the bronze within 10 seconds of the leader.   

The Over-40s class, also riding 32km, saw Andreas Fabricius cross the finish line first with a time of 1:52:19, nearly two minutes faster than second placed Tang Tek Hour, who was competing at the ripe old age of 60. Eric Le Guen came home four minutes later for third.

Flying Bikes Team also celebrated victory in the 32km Women’s race, with Heng Siv Lang clocking 1:57:39 ahead of Jolanda Swetsloot and sibling and team-mate Heng Siv Guech.

Eng Lin collected a winner’s cheque of US$200, while triumphant riders of the other three classes received $50 each. There were also cash prizes and medals for all other podium placers and accessory gifts from Flying Bikes 2 for fourth and fifth finishers.