Twenty-two cycling teams and 132 cyclists from over 30 countries and regions participate in the 2024 Tour of Taihu Lake in Wuxi. [Photo/WeChat account: news-wuxixinwen]

Twenty-two top-notch cycling teams and 132 ace cyclists from over 30 countries and regions kicked off the 2024 Tour of Taihu Lake and Tour of the Yangtze River Delta in Wuxi, Jiangsu province, on Oct 9.

Running until Oct 13, the event spans Wuxi, Nantong, Suzhou, Huzhou, and Nanjing cities with a total range of 529.5 kilometers. The Wuxi section extends 103 km, starting at the T junction of Meiliang Road and Shilimingzhu Levee.

Members of a cycling team pose for a photo. [Photo/WeChat account: news-wuxixinwen]

Milan Menten, a member of the Belgian cycling team – Lotto-Dstny, shared his impression of Wuxi in an interview, noting that it was his first time participating in a cycling race in China and that Wuxi is a very comfortable city.

Compared to previous editions, this year's competition route has undergone significant changes, with all events taking place in the Mashan subdistrict. This decision aims to promote Mashan's natural beauty and minimize the impact on residents' daily commute as much as possible.

Route map for the 2024 Tour of Taihu Lake. [Photo/WeChat account: news-wuxixinwen]

Online influencers on short videos from China, Russia, Pakistan, Spain, and Syria have been invited to share the race and the host cities' beautiful scenery on their accounts.

Wuxi, a radiant gem nestled along Taihu Lake, has long represented Jiangnan water towns. With expansive Taihu Lake, the tranquil allure of the ancient Grand Canal, and the scattered classical gardens, the city embodies a harmonious blend of modern life and natural splendor.

Since the Tour of Taihu Lake was inaugurated in 2010, Wuxi has consistently served as the event's starting point.