Tour of Guangxi World Tour kicks off to promote the popularization and development of cycling in China

On October 15, 2024, the Guangxi Road Cycling World Tour, also known as the Guangxi Tour, officially kicked off in Fangchenggang City. This event is authorized by the International Cycling Union and is organized by the China Cycling Association in collaboration with the People’s Government of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

This year’s men’s tour features 19 teams, including top-ranked squads like Emirates Team, Team Sunweb, and Soudal-Quick-Step. The Chinese national team, which made its debut in the Guangxi Tour in 2023, is competing again this year. Additionally, the women’s tour has attracted 18 teams.

The race will follow a new route that showcases the region’s cultural landscape, including the Baise Youjiang Revolutionary Old Area and the internationally renowned Bama Longevity and Health Resort. The total distance for the competition is 1,021.8 kilometers.

One of the standout participants, Chris Froome from Israel Start-Up Nation, who has clinched multiple Tour de France titles, shared his thoughts on the event. “Riding in Guangxi feels completely different from what I experience in Europe,” he remarked, noting the spacious roads and the strong sense of race experience.

In recent years, cycling has surged in popularity across China. Sun Lianbin, deputy secretary-general of the China Cycling Association, emphasized that the Guangxi Tour has played a pivotal role in promoting cycling within the country. He described it as an important platform for enhancing local culture, tourism, and economic development, offering cycling enthusiasts around the globe a chance to enjoy Guangxi’s stunning natural scenery and rich cultural heritage.

The event has embraced various innovations to transform from a solely professional road cycling race into one that also focuses on ecological sustainability, market engagement, and inclusivity for all participants.