At a press conference held by the Taiyuan Municipal Government’s Information Office on October 25, it was announced that the 2024 Fourth Taiyuan Road Cycling Race will feature 20 teams and over 180 athletes and coaches from around the world.
In today’s world, the concepts of “green, environmentally friendly, low-carbon, and health-conscious” are widely accepted. Cycling has emerged as a green sport that harmonizes with nature, and it has become a new trend in health and environmental protection globally.
Yan Haijun, a member of the Taiyuan Municipal Sports Bureau and a second-level researcher, remarked, “Cycling enjoys a strong grassroots following in Taiyuan and leads the city’s shift towards a new wave of public fitness.” Since its inception in 2019, the Taiyuan Road Cycling Race has quickly gained attention for its high standards of organization, numerous participating teams, and broad influence, swiftly becoming a shining emblem of Taiyuan sports.
This year’s race will take place from October 31 to November 2, aiming to create a top-tier cycling course that features exemplary natural environments, air quality, and cultural landscapes. The event will also showcase Taiyuan’s long history, stunning natural beauty, and unique city transformation, effectively combining sports with tourism.
The competition will consist of three stages. The first stage, known as the Loufan stage, covers 90 kilometers and begins at the Gao Junyu Memorial Hall in Loufan County, passing through the Fenhe Wetland and ending at the Loufan County Jianhe Wetland Park. The second stage, the Xishan stage, spans 112 kilometers, starting from the eastern gate of the ancient city of Taiyuan. It will pass historical sites like Jin Ci and culminate at the Yuyuan Mountain Forest Park Square. The third stage, the Dongshan stage, will cover 110 kilometers, starting at the western side of Taiyuan Railway Station on Yingze Street, traversing both urban and suburban areas, and concluding at the south gate of Shuangta Park, where participants will witness the fusion of ancient culture and modern life.
Yang Feng, the captain of the Special Police Team of the Taiyuan Public Security Traffic Police, announced that certain roads around the racecourse will be subject to traffic control, allowing only vehicles and personnel with event passes to access the area; all other motor vehicles, non-motor vehicles, and pedestrians will be prohibited from entry.
Regarding international participation, Shi Chunmei, a member of the Taiyuan Foreign Affairs Office, stated that this year’s event will welcome 20 men’s international teams from across the globe, including continental professional teams and national club teams, totaling over 180 athletes and coaches. “Compared to the previous three editions, the current race features a higher level of international participation, with more competitors and a significant improvement in overall competition quality,” she noted.
The organizing committee expressed hopes that this event will allow top cyclists to experience the beauty of Taiyuan firsthand, sparking a wave of enthusiasm for public fitness in the city while enhancing Taiyuan’s international profile and reputation. They aim to promote the integrated development of Taiyuan’s culture, sports, and tourism industries.
