The 2024 Jakarta Cycling Challenge bicycle racing event, which was held on October 27, became a breeding ground for Jakarta athletes heading into the 2025 National Student Sports Week (Popnas) in Sumatra.
The event which took place at the Jakarta International Velodrome, Jakarta, was part of efforts to foster achievement, education and the existence of cycling sports in Jakarta, as well as providing family entertainment.
Approximately 120 participants were involved in this inaugural series, which only competed in BMX Race Open numbers.
The General Chairperson of ISSI DKI Jakarta, Novian Herbowo, said that this activity could become a forum for talent search for young athletes who train at training centers such as SLOMPN and PPOP.
ISSI DKI Jakarta hopes that this activity can increase the number of potential athletes in the BMX Race branch, considering that currently ISSI DKI only has two top female BMX Race athletes, namely Shahnaz and Stellina.
The Jakarta Cycling Challenge will take place in three series in 2024, which will continue in November adding the concept of a night race.
Head of the DKI Jakarta Dispora Achievement Division, Lucky, explained that this activity was the second event organized by the ISSI DKI Jakarta Provincial Pengprov together with the DKI Jakarta Dispora.
“Organizing this event is very beneficial because next year POPNAS 2025 will be held in North Sumatra, with participant age groups that match the Jakarta Cycling Challenge, making it easier to select athletes,” said Jakarta Youth and Sports Service representative Lucky Prasetyo.
A total of 14 numbers were contested in the BMX Race category this time, covering various age groups: KU23 (Boys/Girls), KU 17-18 (Boys/Girls), KU 15-16 (Boys/Girls), KU 13-14 (Boys/Girls). Girls), KU 11-12 (Boys/Girls), KU 9-10 (Boys/Girls), and KU 7-8 (Boys/Girls).
With this diversity of numbers, it is hoped that the Jakarta Cycling Challenge can become an event to enrich the competition experience and produce potential cycling athletes from various disciplines, considering that cycling is included in the priority branch of the National Sports Grand Design (DBON).
ISSI Jakarta also hopes that through the Jakarta Cycling Challenge, cycling athletes from various disciplines will be born, considering that cycling is included in the priority sports in the National Sports Grand Design (DBON). This collaboration between ISSI DKI Jakarta and Dispora DKI Jakarta is a good first step, especially in preparation for PON 2028. (Ant/Z-6)
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**Interview with Novian Herbowo, General Chairperson of ISSI DKI Jakarta**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Herbowo. The recent Jakarta Cycling Challenge was a big hit! What were some of the key highlights of the event for you?
**Novian Herbowo:** Thank you for having me. One of the most exciting aspects was the participation of approximately 120 athletes competing in the BMX Race Open. It was a wonderful showcase of talent and sportsmanship. The enthusiasm from both the participants and spectators at the Jakarta International Velodrome created an electrifying atmosphere.
**Interviewer:** Absolutely! Besides being a thrilling event, it was also described as a breeding ground for future athletes. Can you elaborate on how the event contributes to developing young talent?
**Novian Herbowo:** Certainly! The Jakarta Cycling Challenge serves as an excellent platform for identifying and nurturing young cyclists. With our focus on the upcoming 2025 National Student Sports Week in Sumatra, we aim to spot potential talent that can be developed further. Training centers, like SLOMPN and PPOP, are crucial in this process, and the event helps us establish a connection with aspiring athletes.
**Interviewer:** It’s encouraging to hear that there’s a focus on developing the next generation of athletes. You mentioned that ISSI DKI Jakarta currently has only two top female BMX athletes. What steps are you taking to increase that number?
**Novian Herbowo:** Yes, we are actively seeking to increase our pool of female BMX racers. Events like this one are part of our strategy. By promoting BMX racing more widely and encouraging participation among young girls, we hope to discover and train more female athletes. Our goal is to build a strong and diverse team representing Jakarta.
**Interviewer:** Looking ahead, what can participants expect from the upcoming series of the Jakarta Cycling Challenge?
**Novian Herbowo:** We’re very excited! The Jakarta Cycling Challenge will feature three series throughout 2024, including an innovative night race in November. Each event will not only be competitive but also aim to entertain families and promote cycling as a fun activity in Jakarta. We hope to create unforgettable experiences for both the participants and the community.
**Interviewer:** That sounds fantastic! Thank you for sharing your insights, Mr. Herbowo. We look forward to the next series of the Jakarta Cycling Challenge.
**Novian Herbowo:** Thank you! I appreciate your support and hope to see many more people engage with cycling in our upcoming events.
