Cyclists enjoy stunning landscapes during the race. [Photo/IC]

The highly anticipated 18th Qiandao Lake Road Cycling Race kicked off on Nov 3, attracting over 7,000 cyclists from across the nation.

At 8 am, the 136-kilometer race officially began, with cyclists setting off on a route designed to challenge and inspire, encircling Qiandao Lake's lush, picturesque terrain. The course led riders along the Chunyang Line's gentle hills, ideal for leisure cyclists, before testing their endurance with the steep climbs along the Chunkai Line.

The competition featured three categories: men's elite, men's challenge, and women's elite, drawing top talent from home and abroad. In the men's elite, Nicolas Marini clinched first place with a record-breaking time of 03:04:28.819, surpassing the 2023 record. Ivan Blokhin and Hou Dongyi took second and third, both also breaking the previous records. In the women's elite, Dou Jing won with a time of 03:25:43.721, with Kseniya Shynkarenka and Chen Xiaomei taking the podium's other two spots.

This year's event combined fierce competition with the tranquil beauty of Qiandao Lake, solidifying it as a must-attend in the cycling calendar.

Qiandao Lake is renowned for lush mountains and lucid waters. [Photo/IC]