Cycling race planned for Jiangsu province

A new road cycling race in Jiangsu province will accelerate China's progress to become a world cycling destination while aiding the sport's development in the country, said cycling governing body official.

As the "kingdom of bicycles", where almost every family owns at least one bike, China is trying to cement its status as a developing power in cycle sports and the event in Yancheng, Jiangsu, will give it another push, said Han Jiling, secretary general of the Chinese Cycling Association.

"We've had a series of world-renowned road cycling races such as the Tour of Qinghai Lake, which just concluded its 13th edition this month. Riding bikes is becoming more of a fashionable sport than just a transportation means in China," Han said at the launch of the Yancheng race on Monday.

"The new race will attract more attention to cycling's development in eastern China while luring world top-level riders to compete with local athletes and inspire them to grow."

As the second major cycling event held in Jiangsu after the Tour of Taihu Lake, the 140-kilometer Coastal Wetland International Road Cycling Race will be held on Nov 11.

The race will feature a flat course along the city's picturesque 4,533-square-kilometer wetlands near the shore of the Yellow Sea.

Boasting prize money of $50,000, the race will attract 18 International Cycling Union teams from strong cycling powers including the United States, Germany and Belgium.

The local sports administration authority expects the race could trigger mass enthusiasm for cycling while inspiring the public to exercise more actively.

"The race will bring a group of elite international riders to our city for the first time. Local residents will for the first time have a close-up chance to enjoy cycling races on their doorsteps. We believe more people will fall in love with the sport after the event," said Yang Yucheng, director of the city sports bureau of Yancheng.

Yancheng Mayor Zhu Chuangeng said the exposure brought by the race would help promote the rich tourism resources and folk culture of the city.