Windy Shao

windysjf@hotmail.com

THE “XDS Cup” Tour of Shenzhen · Guangming kicked off on Science Avenue in Guangming District on Sunday, attracting nearly 500 riders from around the globe.

This premier cycling event, organized by the Chinese Cycling Association, the Shenzhen Municipal Culture, Media, Tourism and Sports Bureau, and the Guangming District Government, welcomed cyclists from countries including Israel, Belarus, Thailand, Malaysia, and Mongolia.

During the opening ceremony, Wu Zhiwei, head of the publicity department of the CPC Guangming District Committee, highlighted Guangming’s endeavors in promoting cycling by leveraging its natural resources and favorable policies through the development of cycling infrastructure, clubs, and events. He also shared significant milestones in the district’s cycling journey, such as hosting the national mountain biking training base last February and debuting Guangming-manufactured XDS bicycles at the Paris Olympics in July of this year.

On Friday, the renowned Chinese bike brand XDS, based in Guangming, sealed a strategic partnership with the Astana Pro Team, establishing a world-class cycling team. This collaboration is propelling XDS, a front-runner in China’s cycling market, onto the global stage and positioning both the team and the company for success in the WorldTour with its high-performance X-LAB brand.

Wu also disclosed that the cycling event of the 15th National Games in 2025 will take place in Guangming District.

The competition saw participation from six teams registered with the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and 15 other professional teams from various provinces and cities across China, adding to the competitive atmosphere.

Sunday’s event, categorized as a UCI C-level race, featured professional, elite, and mass categories. The challenging city circuit race had different distances for each category — 10 laps covering 105 km for the professionals, five laps totaling 52.5 km for the elite riders, and three laps totaling 31.5 km for the mass participants.

The race, which debuted in 2023 with 18 top-tier professional teams and was recognized among Shenzhen’s Top 10 High-level Sporting Events last year, traversed iconic landmarks like the Shenzhen Science Museum (new museum) and Science Park, offering riders a scenic and dynamic experience in Guangming District.

Hu Haijie, from the XDS Intercontinental Cycling Team, secured the professional title. The young man commended the impeccable track conditions and the spectators’ unwavering support. “As a member of the host team, I am very happy to win the honor for XDS,” he told Shenzhen Daily.

Israeli rider Omer Goldstein, with the Shenzhen Kung Cycling Team, was the runner-up. He said, “I really enjoy the race. The roads are clean, nice, and big. The cheering fans make the atmosphere much better.” Goldstein added that he will come back to China for a race next year.

Belarusian Mark Grinkevich, with the Valore Cycling Team, said is was his first race in Shenzhen. “This is also my first race in the season. I am off season two months because in Belarus it’s very cold. I like the place here — green and beautiful.”