New Zealand cyclist Aaron Gate claimed victory in Stage 4 of the 16th Tour of Hainan on Thursday, delivering a thrilling finish in southern Hainan Province. The XDS Astana Team rider surged ahead in the final 800 meters of the 190.8-kilometer route from Baoting to Dongfang, completing the stage in 4:09:31 amidst challenging climbs and sprints.
The race heated up as Gate outpaced Petr Rikunov (Chengdu DYC Cycling Team) and Luis Carlos Chia Bermudez (Huansheng-Vonoa-Taishan Sport Team), who secured second and third place respectively. Meanwhile, Kyrylo Tsarenko of Solution Tech Vini Fantini maintained his overall race lead, keeping the coveted yellow jersey.
Stage 4’s demanding terrain, featuring four climbs and two rushing points, tested competitors’ endurance. Nils Sinchek (Parkhotel Valkenburg) earned the polka-dot jersey for mountain classification prowess, while Bermudez claimed the green jersey for sprint points.
The Tour of Hainan continues to spotlight Asia’s growing prominence in global cycling, combining athletic rigor with Hainan’s tropical landscapes. The event attracts international athletes and enthusiasts, underscoring the province’s emergence as a hub for sports tourism and regional economic development.
