On May 12, the 2019 Skoda HEROS China Cycling Series — Qiandao Lake · Hongjing Fengdu officially kicked off in Qiandao Lake. The event was hosted by the People's Government of Chun'an County, Zhejiang Province, organized by the Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau of Chun'an County, Zhejiang Province, and Shanghai Hongjing Sports Development Co., Ltd., with technical support from the Shanghai Cycling Association.
Chun'an County, where Qiandao Lake is located, is the largest county in Zhejiang Province by area and also one with a long history. It boasts a water area of 573 square kilometers, 1,078 islands, and over 2,000 kilometers of lakeshore, making it one of the inland lakes with the most islands and longest shorelines in the world. Its unique landscape of "emerald mountains, azure waters, and a golden belt," scattered islands and labyrinth-like bays, vast expanses of lake surface, and villages nestled among picturesque landscapes form a vibrant and colorful scroll of nature.
This year’s race schedule differed from previous editions, changing from two days to one. It attracted over 1,400 participants from 16 countries and regions, including more than 160 international athletes.
The competitive race covered a full distance of 70 kilometers and featured six categories: U25, U35, Masters, Women, Men’s Mountain Bike (MTB), and Women’s MTB. The competitive group attracted top-tier cyclists, adding significant excitement to the event. At the sound of the starting gun, riders shot off like arrows, weaving through the stunning lake-and-mountain scenery. The contrast between the still beauty of nature and the dynamic movement of the cyclists created a series of breathtaking scenes full of challenge, thrill, and visual appeal.
The beloved Hongjing Fengdu event continued to receive an enthusiastic response from participants. The lake-loop cycling route spanned a total of 140 kilometers, with both full and half-distance options. Riders enjoyed the magnificent natural scenery while breathing in the fresh air of this natural oxygen bar, finding it hard to tear themselves away. The event coincided with Mother’s Day, prompting many participants to write messages of love and blessings for their mothers, infusing the race with the spirit of love, mutual respect, and healthy cycling.
To date, the Skoda HEROS Qiandao Lake Hongjing Fengdu has been successfully held for four consecutive editions, exerting far-reaching influence within the cycling community and serving as a powerful driver for sports industry and culture. By integrating natural culture with sporting events, it promotes the development of Qiandao Lake’s urban culture, economy, sports, and tourism sectors.
Through the hosting of HEROS Hongjing Fengdu, positive energy centered on love and life, green living and harmony, health and perseverance is spread, encouraging more people to embrace and enjoy sports tourism as a leisure lifestyle. This, in turn, fosters integrated development of culture, tourism, and commerce across the Yangtze River Delta region.
The second leg of the HEROS China Cycling Series — Hongjing Fengdu will take place in September in Ningguo, Anhui. For more details, please follow the official Weibo and WeChat accounts of HEROS Cycling.