The Tour de Timor is an international multiday Mountain Bike race, organized by Nobel Peace Laureate and former President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta, and held in 5 stages in Timor Leste.
About Tour de Timor
In 2008 Gosling was asked to hold a one day bike race from Maubisse to Dili. Inspired by Le Tour de France, this event was comprised mainly of local riders and was a key step in starting to raise the profile of cycling as a sport in Timor-Leste. Certainly upcoming talent had been spotted in the ability of local riders and the race itself was further evidence of the ideal type of terrain that Timor-Leste’s geography could provide for the development of adventure tourism.
Just fours years later the Dili Marathon had over 8000 runners registered to participate and the Tour de Timor has achieved notoriety as Asia’s toughest Mountain Bike Race. Along the way the Creative Activities Unit has organised and implemented a range of tourism, conservation and sporting events – all of which have contributed to the ‘Dili City of Peace’ campaign.
This year will be the 10th anniversary of the mountain bike race, a very special 5 day international event not to be missed!
The Challenge
Famed for its smooth seaside rides, grueling climbs, spectacular mountain views and unprecedented crowd support, riders will be treated to a rare and special insight into Timor’s unique geography, environment, people and culture.
Roads across Timor-Leste vary from smooth modern bitumen roads, gravel mixes to dirt and mountain bike tracks. Beware of the odd spectacular pothole!
Presented by the Secretary of State for Youth and Sports, Leovigildo da Costa Hornai, the Tour de Timor will be conducted over five days, with the following stages:
– First stage: Dili-Aileu, a total distance of 84 km;
– Second stage: Aileu district, a total distance of 81 km;
– Third stage: Aileu-Maliana, a total distance of 114 km;
– Fourth stage: Maliana district, total distance of 83 km;
– Fifth stage: Maliana-Dili, a total distance of 112 km.
Over the five days riders can expect over 10,000 meters vertical ascents, visiting some of the most dramatic mountain ranges the country has to offer.
The 2018 course is set to be a much more dynamic race, including single track elements as well as some of the most aggressive descents in the Tour de Timor’s history.
For the second time there will be two “loop” days, allowing cyclists to keep their tents in position for two nights, which should allow participants to relax and explore more on arrival at evening locations.
Peace-building
For Timor-Leste / East Timor, sport is not just an exercise with social and health benefits, but a crucial tool in peace-building, youth engagement, education, gender equity and economic development. In this way, the Tour de Timor is not just a world-class sporting event, it is also key to the wellbeing and livelihoods of the people of Asia’s newest nation.
The ‘Dili, City of Peace’ campaign is a multi focused strategy in peace building aiming at fostering a culture of peace in Timor-Leste. Conceived by the former President of the Republic, Dr. Jose Ramos-Horta, and announced in 2008 at the “Festa Ba Dame” (a one day peace building event in Dili for at risk youth and children) the campaign looks to address and rectify the conditions that prevailed previously in Timor-Leste allowing the 2006-2007 displacement to manifest.
There is no doubt that sport has historically played an important and diverse role in virtually every society. More recently, sport has received more formal recognition by governments, the UN, international agencies, NGOs and civil society, as a vital tool in realizing a range of community development, economic and social goals. International dialogue and major policy developments have seen Sport for Development and Peace become a major theme on the international development agenda.
Race Details
Date: 4th to 8th September 2018
Event Type: MTB (Competitive)
Location: Dili, Timor-Leste
HQ: Timor-Lodge
Registration Opens: 16th October 2017
Start Time: 7.45am – 9:30am
Last Day for Registration: 1st August 2018
Local Transportation
Airport pickups included, we’ll help you with your transport to Timor Lodge (HQ) or other hotel.
Race includes
- Mechanical support
- Medical support
- Full route marking
- Water stations with ice every 25kms
- Electronic chip timing
- Bike wash facilities
- T-shirt & medal
- Event photography
Registration includes
- All meals during Tour
- Access to all campsite facilities & amenities
- Transport of all luggage during the Tour
- TdT branded knicks or bib shorts
- TdT branded backpack, cap, t-shirt plus other goodies
- Airport pick up & transport to TdT HQ at Timor Lodge
- Storage of bike boxes/bags
- Access to discounted accommodation in Dili for pre & post Tour
Registration is now open at $1400AUD for 5 days of extreme adventure.
Volunteering
As a backpacker volunteer, you will get to go and see places where other travelers simply cannot access. You get to do something totally different, something worthwhile. Working with locals and other volunteers, you will be able to play your part in helping this young nation develop its budding tourism industry. How you can take part in this unique opportunity is flexible.
In exchange for your volunteering on this amazing event, you will receive discounted fares from Darwin to Dili return, camping style accommodation throughout the Tour, all meals from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 5, TdTVolunteer Tshirts, all transport supplied throughout the Tour, access to discounted accommodation in Dili pre and post Tour de Timor and the chance to experience this beautiful country from a unique perspective.
Examples of how you can help include:
- Cooking / Food Service Logistics
- Medical care
- Cleaning
- Providing or assisting with media coverage
Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to really create a unique and memorable experience! Plan your visit to Dili in Timor Leste around the 4th to 8th of September, 2018.