Inspectors in China ensure necessary elements in place
The International Cycling Union (UCI) is confident in preparations ahead of China’s first major international stage race, the Tour of Beijing, October 5 to 9.
“The work being carried out by the organisers meets the UCI’s requirements and we are impressed by what they have already achieved,” said the UCI’s global director, Alain Rumpf.
“It is pleasing to note that Beijing’s local authorities, in line with the heritage of the 2008 Olympic Games, are strongly committed to the success of a high-level event that will without doubt become one of the important annual events on the international sports scene.”
Rumpf led a UCI delegation to Beijing last week. They ensured that all elements were being put in place for a successful first edition of the Tour of Beijing. They inspected the course proposed by the event’s local organisation committee.
The Tour of Beijing will be a top-level event on the UCI’s WorldTour, alongside races like the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia.
The five-day race should include five legs around the Chinese capital. The organisers have yet to confirm the final route, though, it should pass some of Beijing’s symbolic sites.
Beijing will be able to use the stage race as a marketing tool to promote tourism. On the other hand, it fits in with the UCI’s desire to globalise cycling. In the last 10 years, stage races have emerged in Australia, the Middle East, the USA and India.
This week, the Tour of South Africa resumed for the first time in 20 years. Brit Kristian House (Rapha) currently leads the race with three stages remaining.
“The Tour of Beijing is an important milestone for the lasting globalisation of cycling, particularly in China and on the Asian continent,” read a UCI press release. “The appearance of this new race will benefit the whole of the cycling family: from the riders, to teams, sponsors, national federations and, of course, all the world’s cycling-lovers.”