More than 140 cyclists from 20 international teams are racing through Hainan Province's lush rainforests and coastal highways this week during the 16th Tour of Hainan International Road Cycling Race. The event, launched August 7 in Qionghai City, spans five stages across four destinations through August 11, blending elite competition with showcase routes including the Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park ring road.
'This race isn't just about speed—it's a rolling postcard of our ecological treasures,' said event organizer Li Wei, noting the course design highlights the island's 1,943-km round-the-island tourist highway. Since its 2006 debut, the UCI 2.Pro-category race has become Asia's premier cycling event, attracting teams from Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific nations including the Republic of Korea and Australia.
Spanish cyclist Marco Hernández of Team Movistar told KhabarAsia: 'Riding beneath 100-year-old rainforest canopies between sprints—it’s surreal. This challenges us physically while showcasing environmental consciousness.' Organizers emphasized eco-friendly practices, with 80% of infrastructure being reusable.
The race concludes in Sanya's beachfront resort district, combining athletic prestige with Hainan's strategic positioning as China's tropical tourism hub. Tourism authorities report hotel bookings surged 40% along the route compared to last year's event.
