[Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
As the final cyclists sprinted across the finish line at Dishui Lake in Shanghai's Lin-gang Special Area on Sunday, the 2025 Tour of Shanghai·New Cities cycling race concluded a three-day journey that not only showcased China's rising prowess in international cycling but also Shanghai's urban and cultural attractions.
Upgraded to a UCI 2.2 category event—the first in Shanghai to join the UCI Asia Tour—the race attracted 20 professional teams from 10 countries, with 114 riders navigating nearly 300 kilometers across five new urban districts, namely Jiading, Songjiang, Qingpu, Fengxian, and Nanhui.
Italy's Rajovic Dusan from Solution Tech Vini Fantini claimed the Magenta Jersey for overall leader and the Green Jersey for sprint points leader after strong performances across three stages. Batmunkh Maral-Erdene from Thailand's Roojai Insurance team took the Blue Jersey as Asia's top rider. China's Li Zhen from Anta-Mentech Continental Cycling Team earned the White Jersey for the best Greater China rider with standout performances in three stages. In team rankings, Team Novo Nordisk, Belgium's Wagner Bazin WB, and Li Ning Star secured the top three spots, while Malaysia's Terengganu Cycling Team won the Best Asian Team.
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The event's elevation to UCI 2.2 status marked a significant milestone, drawing elite talent and offering valuable ranking points. Peter Tomlinson, a UCI-appointed international referee, praised the organization: "The event was extremely good, with a high standard of organization and a higher level of entry. It was a two-point-two race that successfully elevated the competition."
This sentiment was echoed by Chinese cyclist Li Zhen, who topped the Best Greater China classification. "Racing against such diverse international talent shows how far Chinese cycling has come," Li noted, highlighting the event's role in bridging domestic and global circuits.
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Behind these individual achievements lies broader industry growth. Official data from the China Bicycle Association show the sector's total output value exceeded 300 billion yuan in 2024, with sports bike sales surging 18 percent year-on-year. Xiong Xin, secretary-general of the China Cycling Association, said by the end of August, over 2,000 public cycling events were held annually in China, with participation exceeding 5 million, nearly a tenfold increase compared to a decade ago.
This dual advancement—industrial and athletic—was evident in the race, with Tomlinson observing, "It's already obvious with the rider registration showing eight or nine Chinese teams, indicating significant development in Chinese cycling. The standard for this race is way beyond a two-point-two level with the entries received."
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The meticulously designed routes turned the race into a journey through Shanghai's multifaceted identity. From Jiading's modern circuit to Songjiang's ancient Guangfulin Cultural Relics, riders experienced a seamless blend of innovation and heritage.
Laas Martin from Quick Pro Team said, "It's nice to be back here, and we can already see different interesting tourist spots—like the archaeological museum. It's really great to explore different parts of the city and check out nice tourist attractions that are different from the historical ones."
In Qingpu, cyclists raced alongside the wetlands of Yuan Dang Lake, while the final stage in the Fengxian district featured coastal vistas that left a lasting impression. "Despite the heat, the tree-lined paths and efficient support made racing here incredibly enjoyable," Li said on the course conditions that balanced athletic challenge with natural beauty.
After the launch ceremony last Thursday, all professional cyclists embarked from Shiliupu to explore the scenic highlights of the Huangpu River, enjoying views of the Bund's historic architecture and the iconic Lujiazui skyline. Kim Eu-ro from the Korean LX Cycling Team, visiting Shanghai for the first time, was awestruck by the skyscrapers during his initial visit to the Bund. "Shanghai is such a beautiful city. I want to come back and try Chinese food here with my family."
After the second stage of the race, the cyclists visited the Fengxian Museum to explore the special Exhibition on the Aesthetics of Tang Dynasty Life and also headed to the Shanghai L+SNOW Indoor Skiing Theme Resort in Lin-gang to experience the unique charm of the world's largest indoor ski resort.
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Beyond the professional competition, the event's organizers emphasized grassroots engagement, with amateur races drawing unexpected enthusiasm. Statistics show that nearly 3,000 participants joined the amateur race, with more than half coming from outside Shanghai.
Li, who began his career in local competitions, expressed hope, "More events like this will inspire ordinary riders to pursue their passion seriously."
The race's legacy extends beyond medals and rankings. Shanghai's investment in cycling infrastructure—from upgraded rest stops to expanded bike lanes—reflects a commitment to sustainable urban development.
"There isn't much to improve as they already have a good model," Tomlinson said. "Overall, it was a good representation of Shanghai."
Li Junfeng contributed to the story.
