Cyclists take on Guizhou intl road cycling race in Qianxinan

Cyclists tackle slippery roads during the race. [Photo/ddcpc website]

The fourth stage of the second Tour of Guizhou Eco-Province International Road Cycling Race (Qianxinan passion fruit stage) was held on Oct 21 in Xingyi, Southwest China's Guizhou province, during which professional cyclists from around the world embarked on a thrilling race through the rain.

Running from Oct 17 to 27, this year's event features a total of nine stages. A total of 22 teams are participating, comprising eight continental teams, three national teams, and 11 professional club teams, with 178 riders in total.

The competitors hail from 24 countries and regions, including China, Ireland, Belarus, Malaysia, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Vietnam, Canada, Estonia, and the United Kingdom.

The fourth stage marks the race's first venture into Qianxinan Bouyei and Miao autonomous prefecture. Setting off from Jushan Square, the cyclists traveled along Jinzhou Avenue and Wanfeng Avenue before entering Fengdu Avenue, turning around at the Jinghu Avenue intersection, and ultimately crossing the finish line at the entrance of the Wanfenglin Scenic Area.

Named after the prefecture's signature passion fruit, this stage highlights a local success story. Lurong town in Zhenfeng county, the heart of the prefecture's passion fruit industry, was once plagued by rocky desertification. By turning steep slopes into terraced fields, locals enabled passion fruit vines to take root in the rocky crevices, gradually greening the barren hillsides.

Today, this national geographical indication product drives a thriving industry from farm to market, serving as the race's most distinctive local symbol.