On October 6, 2018, China’s second Hurricane Criterium was held at the Chengdu Intangible Cultural Heritage Park, where nearly 100 participants competed fiercely in three events: the circuit race, the sprint race, and the Long Skid.
The circuit race took place on a closed loop within the Chengdu International Intangible Cultural Heritage Park. Each lap was 2.5 km long, with the preliminary round covering 6 laps (15 km total) and the finals spanning 10 laps (25 km total). The rider with the shortest combined time in both rounds won the championship, followed by the rest in order. The event was highly entertaining. After an intensely competitive race, domestic riders Wang Hao, Zheng Yaoming, and Han Xuxiang claimed the top three spots in the circuit race.
The sprint race featured a 300-meter track where riders had to explosively accelerate toward the finish line, heavily testing their leg power. After multiple elimination rounds, domestic riders Zheng Yaoming, Jiang Ruichen, and He Jinwen secured the top three positions in the sprint race.
The Long Skid is a trick move exclusive to fixed-gear bikes. The rider stretches their arms straight to grip the handlebars, presses their lower abdomen against the handlebar, leans forward, extends their legs, and uses their feet to hold the pedals while stopping the rear wheel from turning via the chain—causing it to drift or skid along the ground. This move is highly skill-based, visually impressive, and extremely challenging. In the end, Korean rider Moon Taehwan won the championship, with Chen Quanmao and Tong Lin taking second and third places, respectively.
Compared to the first Hurricane Criterium in 2017, this year’s event saw the number of participants double, with an even wider geographic reach. Not only were there riders from all over China, but also top international cyclists from the United States, South Korea, France, Canada, Russia, and more. It marked a historic moment of cultural exchange and collision in the fixed-gear community and demonstrated the rapidly growing influence of China’s homegrown Hurricane Criterium event, both domestically and globally.
Racers start the race
Rider navigating a turn
In the end, domestic riders Wang Hao, Zheng Yaoming, and Han Xuxiang claimed the top three spots in the circuit race
Award-winning riders celebrate with champagne
Early on the morning of the 6th, many riders could be seen arriving at the heritage park to warm up and familiarize themselves with the track. After 10 a.m., the square of the park began filling with spectators, creating a lively atmosphere. Many riders started showing off tricks in the square, instantly energizing the crowd. The audience responded with applause and cheers of admiration.
Korean rider Moon Taehwan performing a trick
Professional graffiti artists created live art on-site, drawing in numerous artsy youths to watch and take photos, offering spectators a visual taste of street culture.
Cool customized bikes were lined up neatly, their eye-catching designs standing out vividly. As the throttles revved, the deep growl of engines roared to life, quickly heating up the atmosphere. It turned out that the owners of these modified bikes were also fans of fixed-gear cycling.
To the rhythm of upbeat music, a DJ at the center of the stage provided an auditory treat for the audience. Some riders even started dancing happily to the music during breaks. During the intermission, a music producer from Xinjiang performed an original rap song, instantly drawing the crowd’s attention back to the stage.
The Hurricane Criterium truly got both the audience and participants excited. The close interaction and exchange of street culture were widely loved. One audience member commented: “It was exciting to witness a competition that blended so many cultures. Seeing so many professional riders and fashion icons creating and performing live was an eye-opener. If I get the chance, I’d love to join in — it sounds like a really fun and meaningful experience.”
We met Xiao Ying from Guangzhou, who was holding a phone stand and speaking into the screen as if recording everything. Upon closer look, she was live-streaming, using her mobile platform to share real-time updates and interesting sights with a wider audience. She said: “I’m also a fixed-gear enthusiast. The annual Hurricane Fixed-Gear Race is a must-attend event for me. I know firsthand how much joy fixed-gear biking brings me — it gave me the strength to get through the toughest times in my life. I hope more people can learn about and fall in love with fixed-gear through this kind of event.”
Chas from the American MASH cycling team
After the race, Chas from the world-renowned MASH team said: “This is my second time in China, but it feels like a place I often visit — very familiar. I really like the riders here; they’re humble yet incredibly skilled. I love them all. Thanks so much to the Hurricane Criterium for giving everyone this opportunity!”
Do you like events like this?
According to the event founder Wang Haibo: “Next year’s Hurricane Criterium will be a celebration for young trendsetters, featuring even more fashion and style elements. We’ll focus more on interactive entertainment for the audience. If you love it, come to the event — let’s have fun together!”