Cyclist to follow ancient post routes from Xuwen

NBA basketball star Yi Jianlian strikes a gong to announce the official opening of 2017 South China Historical Road Orienteering. [Photo/news.cn]

The first stop of 2018 South China Historical Road Orienteering will be held in Zhanjiang's Xuwen county from April 28 to 29, announced the Guangdong Sports Bureau on March 12.

Cyclists from all around the world will set off from the county and ride through ancient villages, ports and scenic spots along the southern Guangdong old post roads. Their scores at the first eight stops will be added together to screen out the finalists, who will then duke it out in Zhaoqing's Yanzhou Island from Dec 15 to 16.

Instead of being a pure cycling competition, the event will also highlight the unique characteristics of each venue. As Xumen's pineapples will come into harvest during April, the organizers will arrange pineapple picking and a ten-thousand-people banquet to liven up the atmosphere.

Other activities such as traditional art performances, food tasting, photo exhibitions and sightseeing tours will also be scheduled. Preparation for the event is well underway, said Liu Yicun, deputy chief of Xuwen county during the press conference.

Participants of South China Historical Road Orienteering jump in celebration of its opening. [Photo/news.cn]