On May 18, 2014, the first leg of the 2014 GCR Mountain Bike League successfully concluded at Guangzhou's Longdong Park. The competition featured six categories: Youth, Masters, Women, Challenge, Elite, and Open. The German outdoor brand VAUDE sponsored the event.
Notably, the Elite category was set as a 100-minute endurance race, where the rider who covered the longest distance within the time limit would be crowned the champion. The ranking was determined by the number of laps completed (with earlier finishers on the same lap counted ahead). Other categories involved riding 3 to 4 laps respectively.
Regarding the course, the legendary GCR track "Longdong Park Course" was used. This track is characterized by not being a complete loop—the start and finish points are not in the same location. After the start, riders must first pedal 1.39 kilometers uphill for 150 meters, then loop around a mountain hollow. Each loop in the hollow is approximately 1.5 kilometers. This setup adds an extra uphill section compared to conventional XC loop races. In events with fewer laps, climbers have a higher chance of winning. With this climb-focused design, the championship favors climbers.
In the first half and later stages of the race, sudden heavy rain made the Elite category even more challenging. Although the downpour caused many riders to either experience mechanical issues or opt out due to safety concerns on the slippery, muddy course, most participants persevered to the end. The TCI-BH team secured four out of the top five spots, with champion Luo Danzhi completing an impressive 13 laps. It was actually his first time riding this course, and he hadn’t even scouted it before the race. Including this win, he has now claimed 6 victories in the GCR League. In the end, the event wrapped up smoothly.
Race Results Overview:
Top 5 in Elite: Luo Danzhi, Guo Xinwei, Deng Weihan, Liang Jianyong, Ma Weinan
Top 5 in Youth: Zhu Chenghong, Zhong Guansheng, Wu Jiayong, Zhou Jing, Li Ying
Top 5 in Masters: Liang Weiping, Zhang Tuqiang, Wei Huiming, Li Jianhua, Zhang Jinjun
Top 5 in Challenge: Li Jiawei, Chen Yongjing, Yang Liguo, Cai Jianrong, Deng Yaoqiang
Top 5 in Open: Zhang Jinghong, Feng Zhuobiao, Zeng Yongfu, Luo Xianguang, Qiu Xiaoming
Top 4 in Women: Liu Xiying, Weng Guanglian, Yang Yan, Ling Meimei
VAUDE-sponsored gear includes professional bike backpacks, bike tail bags, T-shirts, and bandanas. Some gear on display:
Bike Tail Bag
VAUDE Professional Cycling Backpack
Price: 728 RMB
Capacity: 14+3 liters
Rain Cover: Comes with built-in rain cover and can accommodate a safety light