Kupang, E.Nusa Tenggara (AntaraNews NTT) - Tour de Flores 2018, would be postponed at least until 2019 as eight district administrations on the island have allocated no budget for the annual cycling race for 2018.
Chairman of Tour de Flores, Primus Dorimulu said on Monday (9/7) the event would be postponed until 2019.
"TdF 2018 is postponed. Hopefully under the newly elected governor, TDF could be held routinely every year," he said.
He said the event will cost around Rp15 billion designed to promote the region`s tourism industry.
In 2017, the foundation of Yayasan Alsemat contributed more than Rp4 billion, he said, adding that most of the fund came from sponsors.
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Every district administration provided only a budget of Rp800 million - Rp1 billion each, he said.
The largest funds are to be provided by the district of Flores Timor in the eastern end of Flores and the district of Manggarai Barat in the western end of the island the athletes are to spend a night in each of the two district. The race is to start from Flores Timur to end in Manggarai Barat in Labuan Bajo.
The closing ceremony will be held in Labuan Bajo. The first TdF was held in 2016 and it was to be an annual event participated in by cyclists from various countries.
