JAKARTA, Sept. 20 (Xinhua) -- The 7th International Tour de Banyuwangi Ijen (ITdBI) takes place next week from September 26 to 29, with cyclists from 22 countries set to take part, organizers said on Thursday.
The event is sanctioned by cycling's world's governing body, United Cycliste Internationale (UCI), and is 599 kilometers in length, divided into four phases across Banyuwangi Regency in East Java.
"The steep climbing track towards Mount Ijen would be the most challenging one, as it would be the most extreme path in Asia, at 1,871 meters above sea level. It would be the highest level in cycling's hors categorie," ITdBI chief organizer Guntur Priambodo said in Banyuwangi.
Banyuwangi Regent Abdullah Azwar Anas said the ITdBI was expected to further boost tourism in Banyuwangi, which is known for its eternal "blue flame" at Mount Ijen.
Regent Abdullah added that the cyclists would pass through other areas of outstanding natural beauty in Banyuwangi, as the route traverses rural areas, plantations, and coastlines up to the mountain.
"We assure them that the tarmac tracks used along the route are in excellent condition. We expect this event to tell the world a positive story about Indonesia," he added.
