AS a host, it becomes a pride if we are able to provide satisfaction to guests. Likewise, when there was a grand event, the International Tour de Banyuwangi Ijen, this year 2015. If the racers feel comfortable, it means the host managed to entertain them well.
With the help of the Liaison Officer coordinator (LO), Aekanu Haryono, Jawa Pos Radar Banyuwangi finally
have the opportunity to interview with foreign riders. At that time, the conditions were not right enough to conduct an interview.
Because they had just completed the fourth stage which was approx 114,4 kilometer (Km). In a state of exhaustion, Chun Wing Leung, 21, from HKSI Pro Cycling Team wanted to be interviewed. Although it seems that the tiredness has not disappeared, the racer from Hong Kong was quite friendly when interviewed.
To Jawa Pos Radar Banyuwangi, Leung said his first experience racing in Indonesia was extraordinary. While walking through the streets, both in cities and villages, Leung felt that the whole community wanted to cheer him on.
So that, every racer, according to him, he will feel the support of many people. Leung admits that the competition in ITdBI is very tough. Many good teams and racers compete. Although previously Leung admitted that he had tried to study the route to be followed, but it's still not easy to conquer the hilly terrain of the mountains on Blambangan Earth.
more, Leung felt extraordinary torture on the third stage which finished in Paltuding, Mount Ijen. Between all the tracks, According to him, the path of Mount Ijen is the most draining. “The climb is extraordinary, like a Ninja training ground.
But, indeed interesting, I hope next year I will be invited again,said Leung in English. Next, the next racer impressed by the race was Eric Sheppard, 24, dari Attaque Team Gusto.
Unlike Lee, Eric was quite economical in speaking because fatigue had spread to the base of his brain. But, again with the help of the LO coordinator, racer one was finally willing to talk, even finally able to smile.
Eric didn't say much. But, when Jawa Pos Radar Banyuwangi asked which path was his favorite, of course spontaneously Eric immediately answered: Ijen! With a little restrained laughter, Eric shared his difficulty conquering an incline that had an almost incline 45 that degree.
To the extent that Eric also joined in asking for help from the audience to push him. "It's quite a crazy climb, fortunately many residents are so enthusiastic to participate in pushing racers. They really care about us,” tutur Eric. According to Eric, ITdBI will still be interesting, so he wants to appear again next year to conquer the streets of Banyuwangi.
Especially, Residents are very enthusiastic about the event. Meanwhile, not finished interview, several people immediately scrambled to take a photo with Eric. Finally we relented and interviewed other racers. Another racer who claims to be impressed with ITdBI is Gusev Vladimir, 32, from team Skydive Dubai Pro Cycling.
Like most Eastern Europeans, Gusev was very pragmatic when he was interviewed. No joke shown on his face. Occasionally there is only a cold smile. even so, the racer from Russia admitted that he was happy with ITdBI.
Dear, he felt dissatisfied because he could not win the event. When asked about the race, Gusev admits that the climate is quite friendly. Because the sun is bright enough and not as hot as where it practices in Dubai, Uni Emirate Arab (UEA). Especially, in the last stage the racing team could pass through the road which is directly adjacent to the Bali Strait.
"Next year we have to win, even on the Ijen track, which is the toughest,” he said. It's not without reason that Gusev aims better. Because, His trainer is named Mehrab Humaid, 43, is a former cyclist who once spent time at ITdBI.Previously, Humaid once participated in the ITdBI championship, so it is natural if his men are driven to win.
“The scent of competition is extraordinary. But, the Dubai team was one of the late arrivals on the last flight. But, finally they can get a good order. Humaid's role seems to work here,” kata coordinator LO, Ekanu.(radar)
