KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 10 2026 KL Wellness City (KLWC) has confirmed its participation in the Tourism Pahang King of the Mountain (KOM) Genting Highlands 2026, fresh from the team’s successful outing at the HYROX Chengdu Championship in China.
The high-altitude cycling endurance event, scheduled for Oct 26, will see participants tackle a grueling 55-kilometre route from Bentong to the apex of Genting Highlands, with a total elevation gain of over 1,800 metres, making it the highest amateur cycling climb in Southeast Asia.
KL Wellness City executive director Datuk Seri Dr Vincent Tiew, who is one of the five riders representing the team, said the second edition would be more challenging as the cut-off time has been reduced to four and a half hours, compared with five hours last season.
“Last year, there were only four categories despite it being the inaugural event, which drew over 200 riders with nearly 40 per cent being foreigners. This year, the organiser has increased the number to 11 categories.
“More age groups mean better chances to win. It differentiates older riders from the younger ones, who are typically lighter and faster. This ensures fair competition for those in the 50, 60, and 70-year-old brackets,” he told Bernama here, today.
The launch was officiated by Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Mordi Bimol, alongside MUSE Group Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Riduwan Matni and Vincent, who will lead the KLWC athlete team.
Joining Vincent in the KLWC team are Lee See Yeng, Ivoyne Ong, Chua Siong Tat and Shahariz Aziz, all of whom are aiming for a podium finish in the elite wave category.
As the strategic partner for the event, KLWC noted that over 160 riders have already signed up since registration opened last June, with public registration will close on Oct 11 and organisers targeting a total of 400 riders for the 2026 event.
Meanwhile, Mordi noted that the event’s inclusivity allows participation from all walks of life, aligning with the national trend towards a healthier lifestyle.
Earlier, the ceremony also served to celebrate the team’s recent success at the HYROX Chengdu Championship held on Aug 1 and 2, where they secured two championship titles and one second-place podium finish.
The HYROX winners comprising team KL Wellness City included Tan Ay Bing and Vincent, who took first place in the men’s doubles professional category, while Ay Bing also secured first place finish in the mixed doubles with Yeap Jing Nee, and the pairing of Jing Ching and Vincent finished runners-up in the mixed doubles category for age group between 55 to 59.
In summary, the four Malaysian successfully secured three podium finishes thus keeping the Malaysia flag flying high in the recent August international race.
In recognition of their international achievements, the podium winners were presented with appreciation gifts valued at more than RM30,000.
— BERNAMA
