This year’s 2013 Xiamen Haicang International Cycling Open, representing the highest level of cycling in Fujian Province, will be held on April 21st in the tree-lined and picturesque Haicang Bay
International comedian Dashan to host the opening ceremony
The famous Canadian comedian, TV host, and China-Canada goodwill ambassador Dashan will serve as the host for both the opening and closing ceremonies, cheering on the participating cyclists. It is understood that Dashan is also passionate about fitness and has a strong interest in low-carbon, eco-friendly, and healthy cycling events. He will join the riders in enjoying the vibrant coastal scenery of Haicang Bay.
Total prize money exceeds 120,000 RMB, with a top prize of 10,000 RMB
The event offers generous prize money, totaling over 120,000 RMB. So far, 1,026 cycling enthusiasts have registered, and they will compete alongside professional riders from the United States, Germany, France, Spain, Denmark, Hungary, Austria, as well as from Taiwan and Hong Kong.
Cycling combines speed, endurance, strength, and determination. Riding under blue skies and along green mountains and waters not only cultivates the spirit but also improves physical health, making it a popular form of exercise. The race includes six categories: Men’s Elite Road Race (60 km), Men’s Experience Road Race (20 km), Men’s Elite Mountain Bike Race (40 km), Men’s Experience Mountain Bike Race (20 km), Women’s Experience Mountain Bike Race (20 km), and Men’s Experience BMX Race (20 km). It has attracted 1,026 participants from across the country to compete in Xiamen.
According to the competition rules, the top 20 finishers in each of the six categories—Men’s Elite Road Race, Men’s Experience Road Race, Men’s Elite Mountain Bike Race, Men’s Experience Mountain Bike Race, Women’s Experience Mountain Bike Race, and Men’s Experience BMX Race—will receive prizes and certificates. The total prize money amounts to 120,000 RMB, with the highest individual award being 10,000 RMB.
Excellent hospitality for participants
According to the organizing committee, to ensure the success of this international cycling road race, Haicang District has been carefully developing Xiamen’s first “cycling slow traffic system” since last year. A 6-kilometer track has been completed, designed to accommodate cyclists of different ages, allowing them to enjoy leisure activities while improving their cycling skills. To better showcase and promote Haicang’s unique products, folk culture, and other tourism resources through the event, all registered participants will receive one ticket to Tianzhu Mountain. The organizing committee will also provide one night of accommodation for participants from outside Xiamen and arrange shuttle bus service on the day of the race for local participants.
International top sports brands offer enthusiastic sponsorship
In addition to attracting numerous cycling teams, the event has also caught the attention of leading international cycling brands. On-site, there will be exhibits from TREK (USA Trek Bicycles), DAHON (USA Dahon Folding Bikes), UCC (Chinese brand Global Bicycles), MERIDA (Taiwan Merida Bicycles), TASDAN (cycling apparel), Nordic sport brand STONEHAM, ESSEN (German cycling gear), and MAXXIS tires, among other top-tier manufacturers. They will showcase the world’s most advanced and comprehensive range of cycling equipment to the public.
Building the event into a renowned coastal ecotourism brand
The race route is located along Haicang Bay in Haicang District, home to the Mangrove Wetland Ecological Park and the Egret Nature Reserve. With superior ecological conditions, beautiful natural surroundings, and open coastlines, it is an ideal location for a cycling competition.
The Mangrove Wetland Ecological Park and Egret Nature Reserve are two nationally renowned landmarks in Haicang District. This event will actively contribute to establishing Haicang as a well-known coastal ecotourism destination that integrates coastal sightseeing, leisure vacations, and adventure sports.
The 2013 Xiamen Haicang International Cycling Open is guided by the Xiamen Municipal Sports Bureau, and organized by the Xiamen Haicang Taiwanese Investment Zone Management Committee and the People’s Government of Haicang District, Xiamen. It is hosted by the Haicang District Culture, Sports, Radio, Television, Press and Publication, and Tourism Bureau and Xiamen Haicang Urban Construction Group Co., Ltd., and planned and executed by Xiamen Zhibo Sports Culture Communication Co., Ltd. and Xiamen Renwoxing Bicycle Life Hall. Starting this year, the event aims to be held annually, establishing the Haicang cycling race as another major sporting event in Xiamen following the Xiamen International Marathon.