A press conference was held for the 7th China Xinjiang Around Sayram Lake Road Cycling Race.
The upcoming "7th China Xinjiang Around Sayram Lake Road Cycling Race," scheduled to start on May 27, has been officially approved by the General Administration of Sport of China to include the word "China" in its title, marking its upgrade to a national-level event.
On April 28, the 7th China Xinjiang Around Sayram Lake Road Cycling Race held a press conference in Urumqi. This edition of the race is jointly organized by the Cycling and Fencing Sports Management Center of the General Administration of Sport of China, the People's Government of Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture in Xinjiang, the Xinjiang Sports Bureau, and the Xinjiang Tourism Administration. It is co-organized by the Xinjiang Sports Federation, the Publicity Department of the Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture Committee of the CPC, and other entities.
The theme of the 7th Around Sayram Lake Road Cycling Race is "Ride · Transcend · Joy." The race will take place from May 27 to June 2, with four actual racing days. The total race distance is 417 kilometers, and the total prize money amounts to 200,000 RMB.
According to the organizing committee, the first stage of this year’s race starts from Jinghe County, the eastern gateway of Bortala and known as the "Hometown of Goji Berries in China." Along the route, participants can enjoy the beautiful natural scenery of Ebinur Lake, modern agriculture in Bortala, the China-Kazakhstan Crude Oil Pipeline, and the spectacular Alashankou Wind Power Plant, before reaching Alashankou City—the western terminus of the Second Eurasian Continental Bridge. This stage covers 100 kilometers. The second stage departs from Alashankou City and spans 168 kilometers, making it the longest stage, and ends in Wenquan County, the only county in China named after hot springs and hailed as the "Sacred Mountain and Holy Water, Western Region Spring Capital." The third stage begins in Wenquan County and covers 92 kilometers to reach Sayram Lake, a national 4A-level scenic spot known as the "Pearl of the Highlands." This stage is a mountain-climbing segment and is highly challenging. The fourth stage is an urban circuit race within Bole City, covering 60 kilometers. Riders will experience the rich local folklore, the warm hospitality of people from all ethnic groups, and witness the new look of Bole City’s rapid development.
The organizing committee stated that compared to previous editions, this year’s Around Sayram Lake Road Cycling Race has seen a significant increase in competition rewards, further enhancing its appeal to participating teams. The race will use advanced domestic timing systems, and support service vehicles will be provided for all competing teams. The overall conditions for hosting the event have also improved, with Bortala’s road infrastructure further developed, rapid urban construction, enhanced city functions, and improved services in the hospitality industry such as hotels and restaurants—all laying a solid foundation for the smooth running of the race.
Parhati Aizimu, Deputy Secretary of the Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture Party Committee, said: "The Xinjiang Around Sayram Lake Road Cycling Race is currently the only multi-day cycling event in Xinjiang and has gone through seven years of development. Over these seven years, we have made unremitting efforts and explorations to ensure the success of this event. Our experience in organizing the race has matured, the scale has expanded continuously, and both the level and influence of the event have significantly improved. Especially this year, after applying to the Cycling and Fencing Sports Management Center of the General Administration of Sport of China, the race has been renamed the China Xinjiang Around Sayram Lake Road Cycling Race, elevating this branded event to the national level. This will undoubtedly play an important role in promoting the in-depth development of the Around Lake Cycling Race. Over the past seven years, through hosting the Around Lake Cycling Race, we have promoted Xinjiang, showcased Bortala, and introduced Sayram Lake, greatly enhancing Bortala’s visibility and reputation. This has significantly boosted the interactive development of tourism, sports, culture, and related industries in Bortala, and has built a broad platform for strengthening cultural and sports exchanges across Xinjiang and beyond."
Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture (Bortala, meaning "Green Grassland" in Mongolian) is located at the southwestern edge of the Junggar Basin, bordering the Republic of Kazakhstan. It is a key point along the northern route of the ancient Silk Road and is known as the "Exotic Land from the West, a Spiritual Realm Beyond the World." The prefecture has a 372-kilometer border, a total area of 27,200 square kilometers, and a population of 484,500. It administers two counties (Jinghe County and Wenquan County), two cities (Bole City and Alashankou City), and two districts (the Sayram Lake Scenic Area Management Zone and the Wutai Industrial Park). The region is also home to the Fifth Division of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps and its 11 regiments.