The Tour de Bintan will return in 2026 with a refreshed identity and an expanded competitive profile, marking a new phase for one of Indonesia’s established international cycling events.

First held in 2009, the race has developed into a recognised fixture on the regional cycling calendar, combining road racing with destination tourism on Bintan Island in the Riau Islands. The 2026 edition will introduce updated branding, new competitive elements, and a stronger focus on international-level racing.

A refreshed direction for the event

According to Abdul Wahab, Chief Operating Officer of Bintan Resorts, the 2026 edition reflects a broader repositioning of the event rather than a routine update.

The race will feature a new visual identity intended to reflect a more modern and dynamic direction. The aim is to strengthen its appeal to international cyclists while reinforcing Bintan’s positioning as a sport tourism destination.

Bintan Resorts will continue as destination host and event organiser, in partnership with Trifactor.

Growing role in sport tourism

Tour de Bintan has become one of the key sporting events supporting tourism growth on the island, attracting both regional and international participants.

Organisers say the event plays a dual role: supporting competitive cycling while showcasing Bintan’s ability to host international-scale sporting events.

The event also receives support from local authorities and tourism stakeholders, who view sport tourism as an important contributor to visitor arrivals and local economic activity in the Riau Islands.

UCI 1.2 race added for 2026

A key update for 2026 is the introduction of a UCI 1.2 point race, sanctioned by the Union Cycliste Internationale.

The addition allows riders to earn international ranking points and is expected to raise the competitive level of the field, attracting more professional teams and higher-calibre riders.

The event will take place from 21–23 August 2026, with the main race village based at Lagoi Bay, within the Bintan Resorts area.

Race categories

The 2026 edition will feature multiple categories across different distances:

• Gran Fondo Classic 150km
• Gran Fondo Century 100km
• Gran Fondo Challenge 70km
• Gran Fondo Discovery 45km
• Individual Time Trial (ITT) 17km

The format is designed to accommodate both competitive cyclists and recreational riders, while maintaining structured race conditions across all categories.

Course profile

The routes use established roads across Bintan Island, including coastal sections, village roads, and forest-edge stretches throughout Bintan Regency.

The course features rolling terrain and long straight segments, creating a balance of endurance, pacing strategy, and repeated changes in effort. Organisers highlight smooth road surfaces and controlled traffic conditions as key features of the race environment.

Race and destination combined

A defining element of Tour de Bintan remains its integration of racing and destination travel.

Most participants stay within the Lagoi Bay area, where accommodation, race facilities, and recovery spaces are located. The format allows riders to combine competition with leisure and recovery in a single setting.

Travel packages will be available, including accommodation and transport options for participants.

Access to Bintan includes:

• Direct and connecting flights from Jakarta to Tanjung Pinang or Batam
• Ferry services from Singapore’s Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal to Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal

Rider perspective

Event ambassador Chaidir Akbar noted that Bintan’s terrain offers a mix of short climbs, rolling sections, and longer flat stretches, creating varied demands across race categories.

He added that the course rewards riders who can adapt to changing rhythm and terrain rather than specialists in a single discipline.

Local government support

The Bintan Regency Government has welcomed the return of the event, highlighting the continued importance of sport tourism in driving visitor numbers and supporting the local economy.

Regional Secretary Ronny Kartika said tourism trends have remained positive, with the region targeting 300,000 tourist arrivals in 2026. Events such as Tour de Bintan are expected to contribute to this goal.

The local government will also provide operational and logistical support to ensure smooth delivery of the event.

About Tour de Bintan

Tour de Bintan is an international island cycling event held in Indonesia, combining competitive road racing with a destination-based format in Bintan Island, Riau Islands.

More information: https://tourdebintan.id/