Stringent commercial sponsorship requirements, as well as a price tag of HK$10M ($1.3M), "are proving formidable stumbling blocks" to Hong Kong hosting a leg of the World Cup track series next year, according to Chan Kin-wa of the SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST. The Hong Kong Cycling Association and the Int'l Cycling Union (UCI) "have been in discussions since last month when the association disclosed its interest in playing host." HKCA Chair Leung Hung-tak said, "We need to secure all the financial backing beforehand as we don't want to see the event become a burden on the association. Sponsorship money forms the major source of income for hosting an international event and we also need it to secure government's matching funds on a dollar-for-dollar basis. These limitations will definitely give us more difficulties." However, Leung "remains optimistic because Hong Kong is the only city that has indicated its interest in staging a leg of the 2015-16 series." The government and the Jockey Club said that "they would support the HKCA in bringing the World Cup to Hong Kong." Leung said that "they would be preparing a detailed plan before formally approaching these two big backers." The government's Major Sports Events Fund and Mega Events Fund "have supported a number of international tournaments in Hong Kong, while the Jockey Club Charities Trust is another major supporter without commercial consideration" (SCMP, 12/11).
