A groundbreaking cycling event at China's 15th National Games has become a symbol of regional collaboration, as athletes raced through Guangdong Province, Hong Kong SAR, and Macao SAR in a seamless demonstration of the Greater Bay Area's (GBA) integration potential. The 180-kilometer men's individual road race marked the first multi-region competition in the Games' history, traversing the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and showcasing cross-border logistical coordination.
Organizers emphasized the successful synchronization of traffic management, medical support, and event operations across jurisdictions. Pun Weng Kun, former president of the Macao Sports Bureau, hailed the race as "a historic milestone in regional cooperation through sports," adding that such events "create tangible connections between infrastructure and people."
The event comes as Beijing prioritizes GBA development, aiming to deepen economic and social ties between the Chinese mainland's manufacturing hubs and the special administrative regions' financial and tourism strengths. Analysts suggest sports diplomacy could accelerate cross-regional projects while engaging the public in development narratives.
