Olympic medalist to race in Bali

JAKARTA (JP): Olympic bronze medalist Dan Takuma will head 30 Japanese riders competing in an international mountain bike race in Bali next weekend.

Takuma is expected to take on local opposition led by National Games (PON) medalists in the 15-kilometer race to be held around the hilly Kintamani tourist resort.

The Indonesian Cycling Association has named PON cross-country gold medalist Sugianto, his runner-up Amir Machmud and third- placed Zainul Siswanto for the event. The PON downhill winner Ferinanto, second-placed Marta Mufreni and third finisher Sony Haryadi are also scheduled to compete.

Organizers claim that no less than 1,000 local and foreign cyclists have entered next Saturday's event, which is being sponsored by the Japan branch office of the cigarette giant Gudang Garam. (amd)