Peddling the local attractions

Nestled between mountains and water, the southern route alongside Beijing's Miyun Reservoir winds like a coiled dragon, framed by lush trees and tranquil waters.

This picturesque road, named one of China's 10 most beautiful rural routes by the Ministry of Transport in 2021, became a scene of vibrant energy on Sunday, as it hosted the 2024 Tour of Miyun Reservoir International Cycling Race.

With elite and amateur competitive cyclists navigating its winding curves, the event marked Miyun district's debut on the international road cycling stage, transforming the serene landscape into a high-stakes arena.

The event drew 20 professional teams from 17 countries and regions, including France, Germany, Russia, Indonesia and Mongolia, uniting nearly 120 top cyclists and 800 cycling enthusiasts in Miyun.

In the elite group, Gleb Karpenko from the Ferei Quick-Panda Podium Mongolia Team clinched the championship, with Zhang Huibin of the Shanghai Cycling Team taking second, and Sun Tao from Beijing Juqi Cycling Team placing third.

Karpenko also clinched the title of Sprint King, while his teammate Bilguunjargal Erdenebat was crowned King of the Mountain.

The event also featured an open and a challenge race, drawing 500 and 300 riders respectively, welcoming male and female cycling enthusiasts of various ages and abilities.

To ensure a seamless event, organizers assembled a dedicated support team, featuring 280 volunteers and more than 2,000 staff who managed every aspect of the race — from course setup to logistics — attending to every detail.