By WU VUIDE
KOTA KINABALU: The Danum Mountain Bike Race 2026 will debut next year as an 88-kilometre gravel endurance challenge designed to connect cyclists with rainforest conservation.
Themed “Wild Ride: Ride the Unseen Borneo”, the race is more than a sporting event, said Borneo Nature Tours Sdn Bhd Chief Executive Officer Freddie Coleman during a press conference at the resort.
“It offers riders rare access to the Class I Protected Rainforest of Danum Valley, an area usually reserved for researchers, conservationists, and limited guests,” he said.
The race starts from the coastal area of Lahad Datu and continues through gravel terrain, forest edges, and into one of the world’s most pristine rainforests.
“The race aims to build a strong link between the cycling community and conservation efforts.
“Funds raised will support orangutan behaviour and ecology research with the Japan Orangutan Research Centre, reforestation through the planting of native saplings sourced from INFAPRO, and bioacoustics monitoring and nocturnal mammal studies in the Danum Valley Conservation Area.
“This is not symbolic CSR — this is real conservation work supported by data, research, and science,” he added.
He said Borneo Rainforest Lodge is certified by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), while Danum Valley is undergoing the GSTC Destination Certification process, an important step towards being recognised as a model of sustainable tourism.
Freddie thanked Innoprise Corporation Sdn Bhd for its continuous support of Borneo Rainforest Lodge’s conservation work, as well as Tourism Malaysia, Sabah Tourism Board, Lahad Datu District Office, Sabah Forestry Department, and the Danum Valley Management Committee for their guidance.
He also thanked members of the media, partners, and the cycling and conservation communities for their support, expressing hope that the annual race would grow into a platform that challenges riders while delivering meaningful impact for the rainforest.
He acknowledged early sponsors and supporters including Smart Sabah Corporation Sdn Bhd, Khauf Engineering Sdn Bhd, Tanoa Enterprise, Sticky Rice Travel, Imago Shopping Mall, and Mee San Sdn Bhd.
The event is jointly organised by Borneo Nature Tours, Borneo Rainforest Lodge, and Eventfinder KK, combining expertise in conservation, ecotourism, and professional race management.
Registration will open on Ticket2U, with organisers expecting participation from Sabah, across Malaysia, the region, and abroad.
Freddie (centre), and Arthur (third right), together with BRL staff and organisers.
