Mountain Bikers Face a Tough Ride in Kunming

Off-road cycling enthusiasts from all over China displayed their riding abilities at a rain-soaked national mountain bike race on July 5.  The event took place at Heilongtan Park in Kunming, Yunnan province. The park contained a 4.7 kilometer circular single track featuring narrow forest sections and steep slopes.

Competitors were categorized into different groups and were required to complete circular runs of varying lengths. The most challenging route of the event was the 18.2 kilometer route for the male group.

The race started at 10am, as the competitors of the first group dashed out the starting line at the sound of the pistol. Rainfall poised a greater challenge for the riders, many of whom struggled to maintain their balance on the steep, slippery track.

After riding through the muddy road in the rain one rider emerged as the victor. Lv Zhenghu of Guizhou province sealed the male championship prize around 12,000 yuan ($1,933).

A special group for Kunming locals was also set up at the event, where more 300 residents had the chance to experience mountain biking without worrying about results.