Bike race has Jinwan in limelight of health, recreation

The 6th Aviation New Town Cup Road Cycling Race will see nearly 500 cyclists from the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Macao, the UK, and Italy vie for total prize money of 100,000 yuan ($15,100). It gets under way on East Airport Road of Jinwan District on Sunday, Nov 19.

The start-finish line is between Gate 2 of the Airshow China Exhibition Hall and the east gate of Zhuhai College of Jilin University. Competing will be Men's Mountain Bike, Men's Amateur, Men's Open, and Women's Open groups.

Riders will complete laps on a 10-km rolling circuit. The level-coastline route has flowers blooming along the roadside and is the most beautiful cycling track in Jinwan, said an official from the district Culture, Sports & Tourism Bureau.

East Airport Road

In the lineup are 129 teams from all over the world, such as Tropix-Cronus and Chinese Fuji. The former is an amateur team under professional operation. With Miguel Martinez, champion of the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, as head coach, it ranks second on the scoreboard for amateur groups in China.

The organizer has enhanced the attraction with 700 gifts worth more than 30,000 yuan ($4,520) for spectators, ranging from sports beverages to professional bicycle helmets valued at 399 yuan ($60) each. Jinwan-characterized food, cultural performances, and a themed photo contest are also on the agenda.

Guided by the Zhuhai Culture, Sports & Tourism Bureau, the event has been held five times. By virtue of a picturesque natural environment, ideal road conditions, and high-quality services, it is both part of the Zhuhai Fitness Sports Meet, and one of the most influential events in the Pearl River Delta, the official added.

His statement is supported by a foreign contestant who has participated twice before and showed appreciation toward the competition environment with views of blue sky and beach. 

Motorists can park at Haicheng Village, which is opposite to Gate 2 of the Airshow China Exhibition Hall and can accommodate 300 cars. Others can take Buses 504, 207, Z105, Z107 from Xiangzhou Bus Terminal and get off at the Airshow China Exhibition Hall stop.

By mixing sports and tourism, the event is designed to enrich the physical and cultural life of residents and raise the profile of Jinwan.

Dedicated lanes [Photos by Zhang Zhou / Zhuhai Daily]