Nearly 1,200 cyclists across China braved the rain and raced in the 2014 China (Sanmenxia) Yellow River Park Road Cycling Race in Sanmenxia, Central China’s Henan province, on Nov 1.

When the starting gun fired, cyclists in different suits marched forward like a rain of arrows, competing for the first prize money of 15,000 yuan ($2,452) in the professional group and 7,000 yuan in the general group, as well as for the mountain bikes in the experience group.

Cyclists compete for rankings in the 2014 China (Sanmenxia) Yellow River Park Road Cycling Race in Sanmenxia, Central China’s Henan province, on Nov 1, 2014. [Photo/smx.gov.cn]

With audiences cheering at the finish line, Xia Lijun and Xia Lixin, two brothers from Harbin, capital of Heilongjiang province, won the championship and runner-up, respectively, in the general group’s 20km mountain bike event.

“The steep slopes and sharp turns on the tracks made the race breathtaking. I am very proud to win first place, and I am impressed by the splendid Yellow River landscape and hospital people in Sanmenxia!” said Xia Lijun while cleaning his bicycle.

Cyclists cross the finish line at a dash in the 2014 China (Sanmenxia) Yellow River Park Road Cycling Race in Sanmenxia, Central China’s Henan province, on Nov 1, 2014. [Photo/smx.gov.cn]

The champion of the men’s 80 km road cycling in the professional group went to Wang Yadong, a cyclist from Shanxi province. He and his teammates enjoyed an exciting race in the Yellow River Park and cheered the city of Sanmenxia for giving them such honorable moments at the awarding ceremony.

Sanmenxia residents such as Li Jingang and his colleagues took part in the experience group and enjoyed a fulfilling day.

“The environment in Yellow River Park is pretty good for cycling, and it’s a pleasure to share the happiness of green life with cycling lovers from different parts of China,” said Li with a smile.

Bike lovers enjoy cycling in the experience group of the 2014 China (Sanmenxia) Yellow River Park Road Cycling Race in Sanmenxia, Central China’s Henan province, on Nov 1, 2014. [Photo/smx.gov.cn]

To ensure the event went smoothly, almost 600 security members with a helicopter and 20 police cars helped to ensure safety. First aid stations and medical stations have also been set up along racing tracks.

“The racing tracks in Yellow River Park are unique in China. With support from the provincial and municipal government, the China (Sanmenxia) Yellow River Park Road Cycling Race can be a brand of Sanmenxia and exert its influence all over China,” said Du Tao, deputy secretary general from the Henan Provincial Bicycle Modern Pentathlon Management Center.