Showcasing Anhui’s Charm, Ningguo Leads the Way
On November 3, 2019, the 2019 Škoda HEROS China Cycling Series "Sierte Cup & Ningguo Hongjing Maple Ride," hosted by the People's Government of Ningguo City, Anhui Province, organized by the Ningguo Education and Sports Bureau of Anhui Province and Shanghai Hongjing Sports Development Co., Ltd., and technically supported by the Shanghai Cycling Association, was successfully held in Ningguo City, Anhui Province.
In the first half of 2019, Ningguo maintained steady overall economic development, with stable growth in industrial production and trade markets. From January to July, the added value of industrial enterprises above designated size in the city grew by 10.8%, and the total retail sales of enterprises above the quota reached 870 million yuan, an increase of 17.3%. The tourism, trade, and service sectors benefited from the implementation of the 2019 Annual Action Plan for Improving, Accelerating, and Enhancing the Quality of All-for-One Tourism in the city. Efforts focused on planning and layout to achieve a "new improvement" in building core tourism competitiveness; on project construction to achieve a "new acceleration" in developing tourism products; on "four-level joint development" to achieve a "new nomination" in creating tourism brands; on infrastructure to achieve a "new enhancement" in tourism public services; on targeted marketing to achieve a "new boost" in expanding the city’s visibility; and on market regulation to achieve a "new efficiency" in promoting honest tourism and civilized travel.
This HEROS event explored a new cross-industry model in project construction and implemented a "new acceleration" in the travel + sports strategy. By hosting a major cycling festival, it achieved a "new boost" in expanding the city’s visibility. As the host, Ningguo ensured track safety and medical services, held a race briefing with participants and team leaders, and offered local tourist attractions discounts and benefits to riders.
More than 500 cyclists from twelve countries and regions—including China, the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, France, Malaysia, Spain, Hong Kong (China), and Taiwan (China)—registered for the competition. In addition, thirty members of the Škoda 1895 Cycling Team also took part in the cycling event.
This year’s Ningguo leg was condensed into a one-day schedule, starting at 8:00 a.m. and ending at 1:00 p.m. Riders followed two courses—(Phoenix Bridge–Fangtang Township) and (Fangtang Township–X049 County Road)—to enjoy the captivating autumn scenery of the most beautiful redwood forests. They pedaled through mountain fields and ancient tree-lined paths, overlooked vast blue waters, and weaved through ancient streets and towns, exclaiming that the "Southern Anhui Tibet Line" is truly magnificent. This perfectly embodies the philosophy promoted by the Škoda HEROS China Cycling Series: "Advocating health, ecological protection, leisurely living, and connecting with nature."
On the day of the event, there were four categories: U25, U35, Masters, and Women’s, covering a full distance of 93 kilometers. Despite the cool breeze, it did not dampen the riders’ fiery enthusiasm, and the towns along the route were nearly empty as locals cheered on the competitors. After several intense rounds, the winners of each category were determined, and the overall points standings were finalized.
It is reported that the 2020 Škoda HEROS China Cycling Series calendar will be released later this year. For more details, please follow the official WeChat and Weibo accounts of “HugeHEROS” Cycling.