On July 21, the ancient city of She County, Anhui, was alight with excitement for the arrival of the 2023 "Xi Wang Cup" Mount Huangshan International Road Cycling Race (Tour of Huangshan). Despite the hot weather, the event's atmosphere was electric. Crowds gathered along the course more than an hour before the race commenced, eagerly greeting arrivals from every direction. The event saw the attendance of distinguished guests such as Cui Dalin, President of the Chinese Cycling Association; Li Jun, Director of the Anhui Provincial Sports Bureau; Liu Li, Vice Mayor of Huangshan Municipal Government; and Zhou Yunjie, Chairman of ORG Technology Co., Ltd., marking a significant occasion for the sporting and local communities alike.
Opening ceremony of 2023 "Xi Wang Cup" Tour of Huangshan: Mount Huangshan International Road Cycling Race
Approved by the International Cycling Union (UCI), the "Xi Wang Cup" is a collaborative effort between the Chinese Cycling Association, Anhui Provincial Sports Bureau, and Huangshan Municipal Government. The race unfolds over three stages, encompassing a two-day road race followed by a one-day city circuit race, spanning a total of 362 kilometers. The course traverses a variety of terrains, including flatlands, mountains, and hills, taking cyclists through renowned natural and cultural landmarks such as Huizhou Ancient City, Chengkan Ancient Village, Mount Huangshan, Taiping Lake, Xin'an River, and Hongcun Ancient Village. This varied route not only showcases the event's distinctive character but also presents a professional challenge to the participants.
The organizing committee, after dedicating three years to meticulous planning, strives to elevate the Race to the prestigious status of an international level city circuit race. Their goal is to place it on par with other celebrated races around the world, such as lake and island circuit races, thereby promoting the development of cycling in China.
In the lead-up to the race, audiences were treated to performances deeply rooted in Huizhou culture, such as the "Fish Lantern" dance. This gesture highlighted not only Anhui's intangible cultural heritage but also the community's warm embrace and enthusiasm for the Cycling Race.
"Fish Lantern" dance
This year marks a significant milestone for the Mount Huangshan International Road Cycling Race as it has been officially recognized as part of the UCI's registered events and is a crucial Olympic qualifier.
In response to this prestigious acknowledgment, the organizing committee is dedicated to embracing both opportunities and challenges along this new journey. With a focus on showcasing international standards, the uniqueness of Chinese culture, and the distinctive features of Anhui, the committee has meticulously planned every aspect of the event. With careful consideration given to team selection, route planning, and stage design, their goal was to stage an exceptional international sports event. The committee's ultimate ambition is to transform the Cycling Race into a "golden business card" representing the pinnacle of China's road cycling competitions.
Liu Li, Vice Mayor of Huangshan Municipal Government
A diverse assembly of 108 professional cyclists gathered from 28 countries and regions, comprising fifteen continental teams, two national teams, and one elite team. Among the participants were the esteemed China Glory Continental Cycling Team and the Chinese National Cycling Team, both of which are set to compete vigorously for crucial Olympic points ahead of the Paris Olympics.
Start of the Race
The atmosphere was electric as the Chinese teams made their entrance onto the sign-in stage, greeted by the enthusiastic cheers of the local crowd, their patriotic fervor visible through the sea of flags they waved. This camaraderie and competition spirit was not new to the teams, many of whom had recently faced each other in the Tour of Qinghai Lake International Road Cycling Race. Contrasting landscapes provided a unique backdrop to each race: the vast and breathtaking expanse of Qinghai starkly differs from Anhui's understated elegance. This setting captivated many cyclists, who took the opportunity to explore the ancient city on their bikes, delving into the rich cultural essence of Anhui.
Jiang Zhihui, # 71 from the Li Ning Star Team, Sprinting
Jiang Zhihui, # 71 from the Li Ning Star Team, Wins First Place
To optimize the three-day Race period, it's crucial to balance the event's competitiveness with deepening the bond between international participants and Anhui. This approach aims to cultivate a collective sentiment among participants and spectators alike, highlighting Anhui's allure across various dimensions. Consequently, considerable attention has been devoted to the meticulous design and strategic selection of the race stages.
The Race was divided into three segments: a road race themed around Mount Huangshan, a lake and mountain cycling race, and a city riverside circuit race. This diverse itinerary covered a variety of terrains including hills, mountain roads, and urban circuits, spanning a total of 362 kilometers. The carefully chosen route took participants through iconic landmarks such as Mount Huangshan itself, Taiping Lake, Xin'an River, and the ancient villages of Hongcun and Chengkan, before culminating in the historic Huizhou Ancient City. These stages were designed to challenge the cyclists' sprinting and climbing skills as well as their endurance, while also weaving through Huangshan's most renowned natural and cultural vistas. The race layout allows the athletes to immerse themselves in a competitive odyssey that showcased the breathtaking beauty of Mount Huangshan and the enchanting allure of Huizhou, making it a truly amazing experience.
Echoing the ancient Chinese proverb that "it takes ten years to forge a perfect sword," success is the result of consistent effort and persistence. China's road cycling landscape has significantly evolved through persistent effort. Events such as the Tour of Qinghai Lake re-entering the UCI's professional series and Tour of Huangshan 's recognition as a registered event illustrate this growth. These developments have been crucial in advancing road cycling in China, providing Chinese teams with enhanced competitive opportunities and heralding a new era in the development of Chinese road cycling.
