Pro cyclists speed through China toward Hengqin

The final stop of the Tour of China 2017 cycling race, which is to arrive in Zhuhai on Sept 24, has 22 teams from Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Oceania vying to win.

Headlining the lineup are Androni Giocattoli-Sidermec, champion of the Tour of China 2016; Soul Brasil Pro Cycling, a newcomer to the Tour of China and a potent contender; and professional bicycle teams from Taipei and Hong Kong.

The prestigious event has been held in China seven times since 2010. With 15 race days, it ranks first in Asia and fourth in the world, second only to the Tours de France, Spain, and Italy.

After leaving Chengde of Hebei Province on Sept 10, cyclists have been dashing through 10 challenging stages in Hebei, Shanxi, Sichuan, Guizhou, Hunan, Hubei, and Guangdong before confronting the final round in Hengqin New Area.

Hosted by the Cycling & Fencing Sports Management Center of the General Administration of Sports of China and the Chinese Cycling Association, the Tour of China 2017 is handled locally by the Zhuhai Municipal Government and China Olympic Sports Industry Co Ltd. 

Tour of China 2016 Zhuhai [Photo courtesy dealer.autohome.com.cn]

This is the third time for Zhuhai to host the event here. This year's 91.2-km route on the final lap will both start and terminate at the Hengqin International Tennis Center, which covers about 148,000 sq m at the heart of Hengqin New Area. The competition will be aired by CCTV's sports channel.

On the same day, a mass cycling activity in Hengqin and an amateur bicycle race as part of the Zhuhai Fitness Sports Meet will begin. This will boost the sustainable and healthy development of cycling and raise the city's profile.

The 21.6-km mass cycling meet will end at the #1 Service Station of Hengqin Flower Corridor, while the amateur race will be on a three-lap course totaling 22.8-34.2 km.