Authorities of Fujian province announced at a news briefing in Pingtan county on Dec 15 that the 2016 Ocean Cup China (Pingtan) International Cycling Tournament will be launched at the county's Island Ring Road on June 26, 2016, according to ptnet.cn.

The tournament, which is being held for two consecutive years is the first of its kind to combine ocean culture with cycling race, and is a highlight of the promotional campaign for the World Ocean Day that falls on June 8 every year.

The three-day event aims to call on people to have a green and low-carbon lifestyle and help Pingtan turn into an international tourism island.

The event next year has been planned to accept 2,000 participants and will invite top cyclists from the Union Cycliste Internationale, a world federation for sports cycling. It will include running and cycling races, cycling cultural festival among other activities.

And to encourage people to participate in the event, the organizers said that the amount for the winning bonus will be raised. For instance, for champion of men's road bicycle team, the bonus will rise from 15,000 yuan ($2,321) to 20,000 yuan.

Pingtan's authorities said that they expected to introduce the county's rich ocean tourism resources to more people and improve its infrastructure construction and tourism services through such a large event. It will also help to reach county's goal of becoming an international tourist island.