Kupang. The international cycling race Tour de EnTeTe 2025 in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) officially kicked off on Wednesday, with NTT Governor Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena waving the start flag from the courtyard of the NTT Governor’s Office at the Sasando Building in Kupang.

Cheers and applause from spectators greeted the departure of cyclists representing 13 countries. The opening stage featured a total of 155 participants, including riders and officials, covering a 198.9-kilometer route from Kupang to the Timor Tengah Utara (TTU) Regent’s Office.

Local cyclist Deska Raya Adya said he was ready to give his best performance in the prestigious event. “My teammates and I are ready. Please pray that we can become the winners,” he said.

Egyptian cyclist Karim Gamal Abdelrazek Mohamed Ebidalla shared the same enthusiasm. “We have trained hard. This stage is challenging, but our team is ready to give our best,” he said.

Governor Melki described the Tour de EnTeTe as a historic moment, demonstrating that NTT is capable of hosting a world-class cycling event.

“This is the longest cycling route in Indonesia. With the involvement of 13 countries, NTT shows that we are ready to stand on equal footing on the world stage,” he said.

Melki emphasized that the event is not just a sports competition but also a celebration of identity, tourism, and culture. He expressed hope that all cyclists would complete the race in Labuan Bajo, the tour’s final destination.

“If this event succeeds, we have already prepared the next events: international boxing, NTT Fashion Week, fishing competitions, and many more,” he said.

The Tour de EnTeTe is designed as a sport tourism event, blending athletics, local culture, and tourism. It will cover three major islands in NTT --Timor, Sumba, and Flores-- over 10 stages totaling 1,541 kilometers.

From Timor’s mountains and seas to Sumba’s golden savannahs and Flores’ lakes and natural wonders, the route showcases NTT’s rich diversity to the world.

Governor Melki expressed pride in the participation of athletes from various countries and regions, adding that he hopes all cyclists feel that NTT is not just a destination, but a second home welcoming them warmly.

“The Tour de EnTeTe should leave participants with more than just memories of competition; it should also be a lasting impression of friendship and hospitality from Eastern Indonesia,” he said.

Beyond sports, the event fosters community, strengthens the local economy, supports MSMEs, and acts as a cultural bridge connecting NTT with the global community.

“From Eastern Indonesia, we send a message: we are ready to stand on equal footing on the world stage,” Governor Melki concluded.