Asia's longest cycling race arrives in Sanmenxia

( chinadaily.com.cn )

Updated: 2018-07-30

The 2018 Silk Road Tour, Asia's longest cycling race, arrived in the city of Sanmenxia, Henan province on July 29, after passing though Jiangsu and Anhui provinces, as well as the cities of Kaifeng, Zhengzhou and Luoyang in Henan province.

With a total length of 6,199 kilometers, the race started in Taizhou, East China's Jiangsu province on July 22, and passes through 36 cities, including 34 in China and two in Kazakhstan. Cyclists arrived in Henan on July 26 and started their race in the province on July 29 in Sanmenxia. Cyclists will also pass through Shaanxi, Gansu, Qinghai and Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. The race will conclude in Alma-Ata, the capital of Kazakhstan, on August 24.

The Sanmenxia section of the race involved five laps, with each lap being 10 kilometers long. Huanghe Park was chosen as the venue because it offers riders a pleasant view of the Yellow River.

Jiang Kai, chairman of the race's organization committee, spoke highly of the route's scenery, equipment, and facilities, stating that the competition is sure to promote exchanges and communication between the 36 cities along the cycling route.

Cycling is a great way to promote the Belt and Road Initiative, as it provides opportunities for cities to further enhance cooperation and exchanges in trade, science, technology and tourism.

The race is in full swing at Huanghe Park in Sanmenxia. [Photo by Ge Yang/ismx.cn]