Dressed in white with sun visors, the cycling team left the Malaysia Tourism Complex before noon accompanied by police outriders to clear the way for them. Moving in single file, each cyclist wore a white tshirt with a single alphabet on the back. When seen collectively, the letters emblazoned on their back spelled out the word "CITRAWARNA".

The Minister of Tourism, YB Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor, flags off the cycling team at the MalaysiaTourism Complex 2 They caused a minor sensation when they sailed into the traffic unused to such distractions from Jalan Ampang to Jalan Raja Chulan and Jalan Bukit Bintang. On arrival at KL Plaza, the Citrawarna Girls distributed souvenir fans bearing the Citrawarna logo to amused passersby.

After parking their bicycles, they walked and handed out more fans along the sidewalk to Lot 10 at the junction of Jalan Bukit Bintang and Jalan Sultan Ismail. Satvin Kaur, 23, one of the team members, found the experience fun and exciting. Together with her close friend, Primjit Kaur, they have never taken part in anything so exhilarating before. "We really enjoy this chance to publicise the event," said Satvin.

Catch the Citrawarna Girls in action when they make five more scheduled appearances at various shopping malls. Make a date with them at the following routes and stops:

o Starting 11am on Saturday, 24 June from Jalan Pinang, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Starhill Gallery, Sungei Wang Shopping Centre to Malaysia Tourism Centre in Jalan Ampang The CITRAWARNA Girls all in a row 3

o Starting 4pm on Sunday, 25 June from Maju Junction, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Sogo Department Store, Jalan Raja Laut back to Maju Junction

o Starting 11am on Saturday, 01 July from Vegas Club, Jalan Imbi, Berjaya Times Square, Jalan Pudu, Central Market to Brickfields.

o Starting 2pm on Sunday, 02 July from SS15 Subang, Subang Parade, Carrefour to SS15 Subang

o Starting 6pm on Saturday, 8 July from Dataran Merdeka, Jalan Raja Laut, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Sogo Department Store back to Dataran Merdeka.

The muchawaited Citrawarna 2006 parade and cultural performances are on Saturday, 8 July 2006. Festivities commence at 6pm with a 2hour preshow concert by popular Malaysian artistes Sheila Majid, Jaclyn Victor, Amy Mastura and Adibah Noor. The public can view the preshow concerts on two stages erected respectively in front of the DBKL building and Noble Hotel.

Another exciting event for the day is the Citrawarna WalkAHunt competition, a treasure hunt on foot for 30 lucky pairs of Sinar FM radio listeners.

To participate, the public should tune in to Sinar FM (96.7) for further details. Prizes include attractive holiday packages in Malaysia and hotel food vouchers.

Citrawarna 2006 celebrations are also being held throughout the month of July at various locations nationwide. They include food and culture promotions at hotels, pocket shows at shopping centres in Kuala Lumpur, and various cultural events in other states.