Haiti hosts mountain bike race from capital to coast for international cyclists
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti - International mountain bikers are testing the peaks of Haiti in a competition the country helps may boost unconventional tourism.
The race that started Friday in downtown Port-au-Prince has brought 30 cyclists from Haiti and abroad. They include Hansjorg Rey, better known as Hans Rey.
The competition ends Saturday in a fishing village along the southern coast.
The 65-mile (105-kilometre) course includes 8,000 feet (2,440) meters of uphill stretches.
The government of President Michel Martelly is trying to make the impoverished country a tourist hotspot. Haiti's tattered infrastructure, relatively expensive lodging and U.S. travel warnings, however, have discouraged many sorts of visitors.
