Sichuan has launched its first 2012 Lugu Lake Cycling Elite Race, which started with a gunshot on the morning of the 18th. A total of 156 cycling enthusiasts from Jilin, Hunan, Guangdong, Taiwan, and other regions gathered in Xichang’s Yan Yuan the previous day. Among the participants, Luo Changqi from Taiwan is known as a "cycling maniac." Devoted to the sport, he has been traveling across the country to compete in recent years. It is said his annual competition expenses exceed $10,000.
It is understood that domestic cycling races are emerging one after another, with well-known events including the Tour of Qinghai Lake, the Tour of Hainan Island, and the Tour of Beijing. To meet the development needs of cycling and to make the province truly worthy of its title as a "cycling powerhouse," the Sichuan Provincial Sports Bureau and Liangshan Prefecture have jointly launched this event.
The event has received an enthusiastic response from many cycling fans. Luo Changqi, the aforementioned Taiwanese cycling maniac, and Liao Xiufa are among the supporters. Luo set off from Panzhihua and, after missing the bus, carried over 20 kilograms of luggage on his bike, cycling nearly 100 kilometers to reach the race site. Now 55 years old, Luo has spent recent years competing at various domestic cycling venues with a mountain bike and a road bike. He explained that to participate in races, he spends over $10,000 a year on airfare, train tickets, food, and lodging. Just before arriving at Lugu Lake yesterday, he had also competed in local cycling events in Jiangsu and Guilin.
Liao Xiufa, 62, is a true sports enthusiast—not only passionate about cycling but also a fan of triathlons and marathons. To train his stamina, he runs 10 kilometers every day and has once cycled over 300 kilometers in a single day. Liao has run marathons almost all over the world, and this December, he will complete his 100th marathon.