Tour de Singkarak 2012

Having successfully hosted the road race bicycle Tour de Singkarak (TdS) since 2009, West Sumatra will be back to host the Tor de Singkarak 2012 for the fourth time. The race will be held from 4 to 10 June 2012 as the result of cooperation between the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy with the Provincial Government,  Indonesia Bicycle Sport Association (PB ISSI) and 14 regencies and cities (municipalities) in West Sumatera Province which is will be crossed as the route of each stage.

Implementation of the Tour de Singkarak 2012 also joined by the Tour de France organizers, the Amaury Sport Organization (ASO). Total prizes provided for TdS 2012 it reached $ 1 billion. Based on Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) standard, Tour de Singkarak is in the category 2.2 and has become an annual event for the UCI in Asia Region.

In addition to the Tour de Singkarak, UCI also set the Tour d'Indonesia and the Tour de East Java as its annual agenda. Tour de Singkarak classification, according to UCI, ranked approximately three levels below the Grand Tour which was previously taken a place Le Tour de Langkawi Malaysia and three levels below the Tour de France. When compared with the Jelajah Malaysia, Tour de Singkarak is on the same rank.

History of the Tour de Singkarak of West Sumatra

Tour de Singkarak bicycle race is an annual event held in West Sumatera since 2009. The route crosses several regencies and city every year which is the route is changed for variation, but most remain some main city or regency such as Padang, Bukittinggi, Solok, and others. Singkarak is the name of a lake located in Solok and taken as the official name of this tournament.

The first edition of the Tour de Singkarak held in 2009 and continues to be held every year until now (2012). Average mileage is 700 Km which took over a week and is held in May or June. Total prize this year is higher than previous years which is only about USD 600 million to $ 1 billion.

Team who participated in this event came from home and abroad, mostly from Asian Region and continental countries like Japan, Malaysia, Iran and the Philippines.

Tour de Singkarak 2009
Tour de Singkarak 2009 is the first event which was held on April 29 to May 3, 2009. Participants involved come from 15 countries and across the 459 km distance in 5 stages over 7 days. Prizes provided about USD 600 million under the sponsor Ministry of Culture and Tourism (former Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy) in order to promote tourism in West Sumatera.

Tour de Singkarak 2010
Tour de Singkarak 2010 is sponsored by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism with the support of the Regencies and Cities in the West Sumatera Province. Held on December 1 to 6 June 2010 and attended by 12 teams from abroad and 10 teams from Indonesia. The race track is divided into six stages as far as 552 km.

Padang Stage 1: 15.8 km, start at the Cultural Park Padang.
Stage 2a Padang - Pariaman: 84.5 km
Stage 2b, Pariaman - Muko-muko Danau Maninjau: 90.6 km
Stage 3 Lake Maninjau - Bukittinggi City: 51.3 km
Stage 4 Padang Panjang - Sawahlunto: 88.2 km, start at the front of the Big Clock "Big Band" of Bukittinggi and across the Pagaruyung Palace.
Stage 5 Sawahlunto - Batusangkar: 102.4 km
Stage 6 Bukittinggi - Solok: 244.6 km around Lake Singkarak.

Tour de Singkarak 2011
In the third edition of the Tour de Singkarak 2011, began across many locations  of famous tourist destinations in West Sumatera such as Harau Valley, Lake Maninjau, Curved 44 (kelok 44),  Above Lake (Danau Diatas) and Below Lake (Danau Dibawah). Held on December 6 to 12 June 2011, across 12 regencies and cities in West Sumatera with the distance of 743.5 km.

Stage 1 Padang
Stage 2 Padang - Pariaman
Stage 3 Pariaman - Bukittinggi
Stage 4 Bukittinggi - Payakumbuh
Stage 5 Payakumbuh - Sawahlunto
Stage 6a Sawahlunto - Pagaruyung Palace
Stage 6b Pagaruyung - Padang Panjang
Stage 7 Padang Panjang - Singkarak Lake

Inauguration Tour de Singkarak 2012 in Jakarta

West Sumatra has declared its readiness to support this event. The roads that will be prepared for the stage route which is will be passed by the bicyclist. This was disclosed by the Governor of West Sumatra at the launch of the Tour de Singkarak in Jakarta on Monday, 14 May 2012.

Inauguration conducted by the Deputy Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sapta Nirwandar with the Governor of West Sumatera province, Irwan Prayitno, and venue at the Hall of Sudirman , Sapta Pesona Building, Office of the Ministry of Tourism and the Creative Economy, Jakarta. The launch took place with lively and filled with traditional dances and typical of West Sumatera.

By convening this launch, means marked readiness for international cycling race Tour de Singkarak 2012 which will be held on next 4 to 10 June. Among the attendees were the Vice of Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sapta Nirwandar, accompanied by the Governor of West Sumatera, Irwan Prayitno, KONI representatives as well as several mayors and regents in West Sumatra.

The messages emphasized at the launch of the Tour de Singkarak 2012 is a combination of cycling sports, tourism promotion and stimulate the local economy. It is delivered as with the many guests who come from within and abroad are expected to increase the chances of West Sumatera to drive potential tourism and economic.

Socialization Tour de Singkarak 2012 in West Sumatra

After officially launching in Jakarta, Tour de Singkarak promotion and socialization 2012 also began intensively conducted in West Sumatra, especially in the Padang city as the provincial capital. In the mass media began reporting a lot about the Tour de Singkarak 2012. Public advertisements, banners and billboards on the public spaces began to be fitted TdS 2012 information. Many government vehicles, officials and parties involved begin to be fitted banner Tour de Singkarak. These vehicles began can be found a lot on the streets of Padang after the launch of TdS in Jakarta.

Even on 16 May 2012, the provincial government held a fun bike "West Sumatera Provincial Government Fun Bike in 2012" that took place lively by providing a door prize for the lucky participants.

The event was opened by the Vice Governor of West Sumatera, Muslim Kasim at 07.00 am in the courtyard of the office of Governor of West Sumatera. Deputy Governor also inaugurated West Sumatra Kereta Angin Community on this occasion.

The purpose of this event is in the socialization of the Tour de Singkarak 2012 which will be held on next 4 - 10 June 2012. The event was attended by various community bicycle in city of Padang and in West Sumatra generally.

Stages Route of Tour de Singkarak 2012

Tour de Singkarak 2012 Map

As you can see at the Tour de Singkarak 2012 Map, Tour de Singkarak Stage Route 2012 will be divided in 7 stages with a total mileage of 854 kilometers long. All of the stages to cross several major tourist spot of West Sumatra, which is Lake Singkarak, Kelok 44 and Maninjau Lake. While the District and the City amounted to 14 that traversed the Padang City, Sawahlunto City, Sijunjung Regency, 50 Kota Regency, Payakumbuh City, Tanah Datar Regency, Bukittinggi City, Agam Regency, Pariaman City, and Persisir Selatan Regency.

In contrast to the stage in previous years that start on the Padang, the Tour de Singkarak 2012 will start in Sawahlunto and finish in Padang. This causes a lot of the estimates will be mass sprint in the last days because of Padang has a flat route, except at a few locations on the outer of the main area of city of Padang which is crossed, the Andalas University Limau Manih, Lubuk Minturun and Gunung Sariak. At that location there is ascent a bit, especially when heading to the University of Andalas.

Stage in the Tour de Singkarak 2012 is:

Stage 1: Sawahlunto - Sawahlunto
Start the Tour de Singkarak 2012 will be held in the City "charcoal" Sawahlunto on June 4, 2012. In contrast to the previous year who chose the city of Padang as the opening stage. Stage 1 will travel a distance of 77.5 km along the route Sawahlunto - Muaro Kalaban - Muaro Bodi - Pulau Punjung - Muaro Sijunjung - Tanjuang Ampalo - Mauro Kalaban - and finish back in Sawahlunto.

Sawahlunto is famous for its coal mine tour tourism. Spatial and classical buildings of the Dutch colonial heritage is still there and felt in this "Cauldron" city. If you get there, would not be complete if it has not been met with "Mak Itam", the old train that had been used in Sawahlunto long time ago and which is re-operated for the tourism purpose after returning there from a train museum in Java island for decades.

Stage 2: Estuary Sijunjung - Valley Harau
On June 5, 2012, Stage 2 will cover the distance along the 124.5 km. Start at the Muaro Sijunjung, through the Sumpur Kudus - Lintau Buo - Ngalau - Payakumbuh - and finish at the famous beauty Harau it. Harau is a valley bordered by a rock-walled hill with a slope close to 90 degrees. Many tourists to stay at the cottage there. Activities conducted in addition to enjoying the beautiful scenery and bathe in the waterfall pool is rock climbing.

Stage 3: Payakumbuh - Pagaruyung Basa Palace
Stage 3 dated June 6, 2012 will be a distance of 102 km. Start from Payakumbuh - Ngalau Indah - Baso - Batusangkar - Ombilin - Batipuh - Batusangkar - and then finish in Pagaruyung Basa Palace, a symbol of the triumph of Minangkabau in the past.

While watching a passing driver, there is nothing wrong with enjoying the famous snack in Payakumbuh, namely Batiah and Galamai. If it had passed all his TdS driver, you can enjoy a lunch at a restaurant in the famous delicious duck curry with green lado (chilli) :).

In Pagaruyung you will be able to enjoy the center Minangkabau culture in some tourist centers such as the palace Pagaruyung, Batu Batikam and others.

Stage 4: Sicincin Anai Golf - Bukittinggi
Stage 4 start at Anai Golf dated June 7, 2012. Distance of 157.5 km path as a route to make this the longest stage in the Tour de Singkarak 2012. Across Anai Golf - Sicincin - Padang Pariaman - Tiku - Lubuk Basung - Muko-Muko - Kelok 44 - Matur - and finish in Bukittinggi City, a famous torism destination for its Ngarai Sianok and the Jam Gadang or Big Clock.

This stage will pass the Pariman City and Padang Pariaman Regency. Do not forget arm yourself with the typical traditional food of Pariaman, which is "Sala Lauak". Visiting Pariaman not complete if you have not tasted it too :)

Stage 5: Padang Panjang - Singkarak
Stage 5 will be held on June 8, 2012 with the distance along the 149 km. Start of Padang Panjang - Ombilin - Singkarak - Solok - the Twin Lake (Danau Diatas and Danau Dibawah) - Bukik Sileh - Solok, and ended in Singkarak. During the trip, participants will be accompanied by the mountain scenery of the Marapi in Padang Panjang / Tanah Datar and beautiful views of Lake Batur.

If you've heard the delicious Bilih fried fish, do not just pass in the Lake Singkarak. Stop, buy and taste the delicious fish is a mainstay a tour in Lake Singkarak.

Stage 6: Pariaman - Painan
On June 9, 2012, Stage 6 of TdS will start in Pariaman. This stage along a distance of 146 km. Across Pariaman - Lubuk Alung - Padang - and finish in Painan (PEsisir Selatan Regency).

In my opinion, this stage is a long stage with less climbing because just cross the coastal area of West Sumatra, except when passing Bungus (Padang) and when begin to enter the Pesisir Selatan Regency. When going into town Painan, the capital of the South Coast, the ascent road will also find. The hill-climb road is the hills area.

Pesisir Selatan reportedly is one of the first time participate in organizing the Tour de Singkarak. Attractive natural sights in my opinion is Carocok Coast with dishes of typical delicious cuisine of Minang.

Stage 7: Padang
Last stage or the 7th will be held at the Padang on June 10, 2012. This stage will be around Padang Circuit Race along the 99.5 miles from Ocean Road - Andalas University - By Pass Road - Lubuk Minturun - Gunung Sarik - By Pass - Airport - Tabing - and end up back at the Jalan Samudra.

In Padang, all culinary of various areas in West Sumatra can be found easily. A week after joining TdS, its time to buy presents for friends and family. You can buy a souvenir snacks or souvenirs. Please choose to buy in Rohana Kudus, Sutan Pangeran, Shirley, Cristine Hakim, Panda, Mahkota, or Silungkang. Do not forget to see the beautiful sunset and night at the Bridge of Siti Nurbaya. If you enough time, just track a hill at the end of the Bridge of Siti Nurbaya. From the peak of the hill you can see the romantic old town of Padang, a centuries-old jetty and a stretch landscape of Padang. At night do not forget to enjoy the culinary evening at Simpang Kinol :)

Tour de Singkarak 2012 Participants

International events themed Sport Tourism has become an annual event of UCI will be not crowded only by the cyclist rider from 18 international teams, but also foreign tourists. All will come to West Sumatra to become participants, officials and spectators the race and enjoy the natural beauty and cultural of Minang.

Implementation of the TdS 2012 will be followed by 250 riders from 18 countries, namely Japan, France, Iran, Uzbekistan, Germany, the Netherlands, Brunei, Ukraine, Singapore, Australia, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Chinese Taipei, the United States, Vietnam, Malaysia, New Zealand , and Indonesia as the host.

Teams representing those countries is come from international racing team, that is Asian Racing Team, Genesis Wealth Advisers Pro Cycling Team, Team Suren Uzbekistan, Azad University Cross Team, Budget Forkliftd, Continental OCBC Singapore Cycling Team, Team Miche Colossi, Australian National Team, Eddy Hollands Bicycle Services, Tabriz Petrochemical Team, as well as two French teams are still waiting for confirmation. Indonesia itself will include seven national teams, namely: Araya, New Binong Club Pessel, Son Struggle, Polygon Sweet Nice, Custom Cycling Club, Public Penyetan Sego, and West Sumatra.

Economic benefits of TdS for West Sumatra

One of the Tor de Singkarak 2012 performance goal of course is to promote the natural beauty of West Sumatera province, cultural and culinary attractions. To support this goal, the Tour de Singkarak 2012 will be use a helicopter to cover directly to the camera, like as coverage of the Tour de France.

Tour de Singkarak supported by natural factors of Bukit Barisan which provides a route to climb hills, beautiful landscape and unique culture, cities near the coast is relatively flat, likely to continue up the ranks into road cycling event which is more prestigious in the UCI . With the support of government (central and local), Tour de France event organizers, businesses and local community support deserve to make us hope that one day Tour de Singkarak as grade as to the Grand Tour.

With the warmth of this event has been welcomed internationally, target sports and tourism promotion should be widened to drive the economy as well as the Governor of West Sumatra speech at the launch in Jakarta. As with previous editions, the Tour de Singkarak received attention from the media at local and abroad.

Criticism of the Tour de Singkarak Previous

I personally assess the implementation of the previous TdS preparations are still far from optimal. Firstly, when the stage held in Padang, socialization to the community was lacking, particularly among users of the road. When the roads became the stage route diverted, people and the infrastructure does not seem ready. Congestion is everywhere due to the transfer path to alternative streets. I felt tremendous congestion on Perintis Kemerdekaan street last year's edition. Amid the congestion, many motorists and driver who do not know the reason why their paths diverted. If socialized well and widely, certainly people who are not too important to be traveling by car will discourage trip plans rather than contribute to creating a jam.

Secondly, almost all of the city passed the stage is not ready to accommodation (hotels and lodging amount is not sufficient). In addition to the Padang and Bukittinggi, some cities in West Sumatra did not provide sufficient accommodation so many official who had to go back into Padang or go to Bukittinggi to take the rest. Early in the morning they should go back to the start location of the next stage. Nearest hotel was prioritized to the participants for energy recovery and can be effectively. I imagine how much profit that failed obtained by the regency / city to stage the trajectory of the TdS. Padang and Bukittinggi are lucky because the number of hotels in Padang and Bukittinggi is more representative.

Of the two issues above, I hope all those involved and responsible for implementation of the Tour de Singkarak 2012 notice, evaluate and have found the solution for the smooth implementation of the Tour de Singkarak 2012 will begin immediately.

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