KUCHING – Dewan Bandaraya Kuching Utara (DBKU) has announced that the Siol International Mountain Bike Challenge 2026 (SIMBC 2026) will take place from 21 to 23 August at the Siol Mountain Bike Track.
The event is recognised as one of only five circuits under the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) sanctioned Asian Continental Series (ACS) 2026.
The ACS calendar includes competitions in Thailand, Japan, the Philippines, China, and Malaysia, with Kuching hosting the final leg.
This positioning makes SIMBC 2026 a decisive event for elite riders aiming to secure UCI ranking points and qualify for the 2027 UCI Mountain Bike World Cup. The Kuching stage will determine the top five riders advancing to the global competition.
Race categories at SIMBC 2026 will include Cross-country Olympic (XCO), Cross-country Short Track (XCC), Cross-country Eliminator (XCE), Downhill (DHI), and the Cross-country Relay (Mayor’s Trophy). Competitions will be held across Elite Men and Women, Under-23, and Junior divisions.
New additions such as the cross-country Olympic youth category and the Malaysia Closed cross-country eliminator (XCE) demonstrate DBKU’s commitment to grassroots and youth development.
Organisers expect around 250 riders from local, national, and international levels to participate, underscoring the scale and prestige of the championship.
DBKU has emphasised that the event reflects its broader strategy to advance sports development, strengthen international collaboration, and promote sustainable tourism.
Environmentally responsible practices will also be integrated into the championship, aligning with global efforts to preserve natural ecosystems.
“SIMBC 2026 represents a defining moment for Kuching and Malaysia’s sporting landscape,” DBKU stated, highlighting its commitment to delivering a world-class event that will contribute to sporting excellence, economic growth, and international recognition.
The press conference announcing the event was attended by Yang Berhormat Datuk Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak and Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak.
Also present were Yang Berbahagia Dato Haji Hilmy bin Haji Othman, Mayor of Kuching North, and Encik Morshidi Fedrick, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak.
As the final leg of the ACS 2026, SIMBC 2026 is expected to elevate Kuching’s profile as a competitive cycling destination, leaving a lasting legacy for both the sporting community and the wider economy.
