ALEGRIA, June 5 -- 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...