The press conference of 2024 UCI Women's WorldTour was held in Shanghai on Friday. [Photo by He Qi/chinadaily.com.cn]
The 2024 UCI Women's WorldTour, Tour of Chongming Island is set to kick off in Shanghai's Chongming district on Oct 15, drawing 18 teams from around the world with 108 professional cyclists participating.
Throughout the three-day competition, cyclists will traverse through 17 towns in Chongming, immersing themselves on the island's beautiful ecological environment.
The 349.3-kilometer route will take riders past iconic landmarks and scenic spots such as the Changjiang Bridge, Changxing Island Country Park and the sports training base in Chongming.
The 2023 UCI Women's WorldTour- Tour of Chongming Island. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Co-hosted by the Union Cycliste Internationale, the General Administration of Sport of China and the Shanghai Municipal People's Government, the tournament is co-organized by Chinese Cycling Association, the Shanghai Administration of Sports and Chongming District People's Government.
Among the 27 stops of the 2024 UCI Women's WorldTour, 13 are multi-day races held in countries such as France, Spain, Italy, the United Arab Emirates and Australia. Tour of Chongming Island is the only multi-day UIC WorldTour event in Chinese women's road cycling races.
The 2023 UCI Women's WorldTour- Tour of Chongming Island. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Luo Wenhua, deputy director general of the Shanghai Administration of Sports, highlighted that this year's event will feature various attractions, including organizing amateur races before the tournament to promote cycling and combining the event with a carnival to foster a competitive atmosphere.
"We will integrate the event with Chongming's tourism resources, allowing more citizens and tourists to experience the unique charm of cycling and further solidifying Chongming as a world-class ecological island," said Shi Lei, deputy head of Chongming district.
The 2023 UCI Women's WorldTour- Tour of Chongming Island. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Regarding the development of cycling sports and the sports industry, Shi emphasized that Chongming's flat terrain, superior ecology and favorable climate make it highly conducive to cycling sports.
"Chongming will persist in providing outdoor spaces for citizens that integrate cycling, tourism, sightseeing, leisure and entertainment. In addition, we will introduce cycling courses in all primary schools in Chongming, guiding students to adopt eco-friendly habits from a young age and fostering cycling talent," Shi added.
