Riders line up on the start line of the 2017 Ocean Cup China (Pingtan) International Cycling Tournament in Pingtan, Fujian province, on June 11. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The highly anticipated 2017 Ocean Cup China (Pingtan) International Cycling Tournament took place in Pingtan, Fujian province on June 11.

A total of 2,350 cyclists from 23 countries around the world, including the United States, Germany, France, Britain, Japan and the Netherlands, competed in the race.

Chinese cyclist Zhou Keqiang seized the title in the men's road cycling elite group while the defending champion Zhu Fanxin squeaked onto the podium in third place.

"The race is very fierce, and I didn't capture a leading position until the final half lap," said Zhou Keqiang. "It is a surprise to me that I kept the advantage and finally won."

"All the riders had to brave the heat and basically all the finishers drank several bottles of water," he added.

A series of fantastic performances and interactive activities held on the sidelines of the race added to the fun on the day, including a fun cycling race, children's painting contest and photography competition.

The race is the first of its kind to combine ocean culture with a cycling race. It was also part of the island city's promotional campaign for World Ocean Day, which falls on June 8 every year.

As a high profile international sports event, which has been held annually in Pingtan for four years, the Ocean Cup is expected to further increase the city's profile across the world as it actively builds itself into an international tourism island.

Riders compete in the 2017 Ocean Cup China (Pingtan) International Cycling Tournament in Pingtan, Fujian province, on June 11. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]