About 200 cyclists from different countries, including the Philippines, are converging here for the start of the Union Cycliste Internationale Mountain Bike (UCI MTB) Continental and Junior Series 2026.

The international cycling challenge, dubbed “Kabibo Banjak Alegria (KBA) International 2026,” is scheduled from June 5–7. “Kabibo” means joy and fun, while “banjak” means to pedal.

Since May 29, at least 45 foreign athletes have arrived and registered for the event.

“The first participant to arrive here on May 29 was from Bangladesh. Since his arrival, he has explored the area, especially the event’s trails,” said Luniza Garrido, the tourism officer of Alegria, in an interview on Friday.

The Alegria tourism office’s data shows that five athletes have registered from Taiwan, 25 from Malaysia, one from Bangladesh, 10 from Japan, two from Guam, and one from India.

Since this week, three UCI commissaires or game officials have been in town.

“These commissaires will also evaluate the duration of the cycling event, including trails and the race course,” Garrido said.

The distance per lap is about 3.5 kilometers, consisting of 5 percent concrete roads and 95 percent unpaved or off-road, with ascents, descents, and built obstacles.

The Men Elite Category has seven laps, Men Under 23 (six laps), Men Junior (five laps), Men Youth (three laps), and two laps each for Men Master A and Men Master B categories.

The Women Elite will also have five laps, Women Under 23 (four laps), Women Junior (three laps), and Women Youth (two laps).

Economic, tourism gains

Local officials in Alegria town are seeing economic and tourism gains in hosting the international cycling event.

“The local government unit (LGU) of Alegria is investing in eco-tourism and eco-sports,” said Mayor Dominador Esma Jr. in an interview on Friday.

The LGU, he added, has noted an increase in demand for hotels and accommodations, as participants in the events have been arriving since last week.

On Friday, the Department of Tourism (DOT) 13 (Caraga) expressed optimism about Alegria town gaining recognition as a leading cycling and adventure destination, which is expected to draw more events and tourists.

“With the ongoing competitions, our local riders will gain exposure to world-class competition, improving their skills, experiences, and international rankings,” the DOT-13 said in a statement. (PNA)