-China Sports Lottery- 2024 Tour of Danxia Mountain Cycling Race Begins

On October 20, the “China Sports Lottery” 2024 Danxia Mountain Cycling Race kicked off at the southern entrance of Danxia Mountain in Guangdong Province, attracting nearly 2,000 athletes and cycling enthusiasts from both domestic and international backgrounds. Participants experienced the breathtaking beauty of Danxia as they engaged in a thrilling competition.

This year’s event featured six categories: Men’s Masters (38km), Men’s Local (38km), Women’s Open (38km), Men’s Open (68km), Cycling Challenge (38km), and Cycling Experience (20km).

The racecourse is set along the Yuedan Road, recognized as one of the “Top Ten Most Beautiful Rural Roads” in Guangdong. This scenic route encircles the renowned Danxia Mountain, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site and a National 5A-level scenic area, stretching a total of 68 kilometers. The course connects various attractions, including Water Danxia, Yangyuan Mountain, and Bazhai, while passing through historical villages like Xiafu and Niubi, culminating in a journey through the core scenic area of Danxia Mountain.

Competitors began their ride from the southern gate of Danxia Mountain, navigating through a picturesque landscape of mountains and clear waters. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as participants enjoyed the sunny weather, gentle breeze, lush bamboo forests, blooming flowers, and ancient trees, all while taking in the stunning natural vistas along the Yuedan Road and experiencing the unique charm of Shaoguan in early autumn.

According to the organizing committee, the cycling race not only showcases the ecological advantages of Danxia Mountain but also merges elements of sports, tourism, and culture, elevating Shaoguan’s image as a “beautiful Danxia and cycling paradise” to a global audience. It also promotes fashionable, healthy, and environmentally conscious living.

The event attracted several top-tier cycling teams, including Merida-Noplay China Team, DYC East Asia Chain-Rebel Team, BROSS-GRC China Team, China Xidesheng Team, Bigrock Team, Quick Team from Shenzhen, NEZA TUKUS Women’s Team, Changsha Clockwise (SSZ) Team, and Qixing Star Giant-Superteam. The competition also featured international participants from countries such as Russia, Spain, and Belarus.

After intense competition, the winners were announced: Xu Zhaoliang (A17) took first place in the Men’s Open category with a time of 01:35:53.165; Wu Mingjun (C50) won the Men’s Masters with a time of 01:00:06.173; Shen Danmei (B10) claimed victory in the Women’s Open with a time of 01:02:18.688; and Huo He (D7) secured first in the Men’s Local category with a time of 01:01:16.253.

It’s noteworthy that the Danxia Mountain Cycling Race is part of Shaoguan’s broader initiative to implement the Guangdong Provincial Government’s “One Core, One Belt, One Zone” regional coordination development strategy. This aligns with the “Hundred Thousand Project” aimed at promoting the integration of sports and tourism. In November and December, Shaoguan will host additional events, including a 50-kilometer hike across Danxia Mountain and a marathon, further establishing itself as a “paradise for outdoor sports.”

This event is guided by the Guangdong Provincial Center for Social Sports and Training Competitions, hosted by the Shaoguan Municipal Government, with joint efforts from the Shaoguan Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism, and Sports, as well as the Shaoguan Danxia Mountain Management Committee.