During the opening ceremony, Dương Anh Đức, vice chairman of the HCM City People's Committee, highlighted the theme of this year's race, "Home Country in One Strip of Land," which has attracted the participation of the strongest teams in Việt Nam. Cyclists will compete in 25 stages covering a total distance of over 2,700km across the country, with the race culminating at Thống Nhất Hall Park in HCM City on April 30.
"The locations that the cyclists will pass through not only serve as a reminder of the journey that the Vietnamese as a nation undertook during the historic march to liberate the south and unify the country, but they also carry the spirit of the Điện Biên Phủ victory," Đức said.
In welcoming the event to Điện Biên, Vừ A Bằng, vice chairman of Điện Biên Provincial People's Committee, emphasised that this presents an opportunity for teams, coaches, and spectators to explore and learn about the historical sites, scenic spots, natural landscapes, and cultural heritage of the 19 ethnic groups residing in Điện Biên Phủ. The province leadership also hopes that each visitor and cyclist will act as a friendly ambassador, promoting and introducing the beauty of Điện Biên's land, culture, and people to both domestic and international tourists.
On Wednesday, the cyclists completed the first stage, which consisted of 15 laps covering 52.5km around Điện Biên Phủ City. The race started from May 7 Square, on Võ Nguyên Giáp Street, and proceeded towards the Central Market, located opposite the Điện Biên Phủ Victory Monument. The cyclists then continued along Trần Đăng Ninh Street, crossed Thanh Bình Bridge, and reached Nguyễn Hữu Thọ Street. After making a left turn, they crossed Bridge A1 and returned to Võ Nguyên Giáp Street before concluding at May 7 Square.
Petr Rikunov of the Lộc Trời An Giang Group team claimed both the yellow and blue jerseys. Trần Tuấn Kiệt from Dopagan Đồng Tháp secured the orange jersey, while the white jersey was awarded to Nguyễn Văn Nhã of the Military Zone 7.
Furthermore, the event's organising committee also presented numerous individual and team prizes.
Vừ A Bằng, vice chairman of the People's Committee of Điện Biên Province, presented certificates of merit on behalf of the provincial people's committee to the groups that demonstrated outstanding achievements in organising the first leg of the event in Điện Biên.
The delegates waved the flag to start the race.
Cyclists compete in the first stage of the HCM City Television Cycling Tournament.
Cyclists are accompanied and guided by a convoy of motorbikes.
Right from the start, the teams implemented their individual playing strategies.
Cyclists chased each other fiercely.
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Cyclists raced towards the finish line with remarkable speed.
The organising committee award prizes for winners in the first stage.
Vice Chairman of Điện Biên Provincial People's Committee Vừ A Bằng and General Director of HCM City Television Station, Cao Anh Minh award the yellow jersey to Petr Rikunov of An Giang Loc Troi Group team.
Fans support the race in Điện Biên.
Articl and photos: An Chi
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