Cyclists set off from the starting line of the 2025 National Road Cycling Championships. [Photo/Nuan News]

The 2025 National Road Cycling Championships and the 3rd Asian Youth Games Qualifier of the National Youth Road Cycling Championships kicked off in Ordos on June 22.

The opening race drew 90 male and 90 female athletes, each battling it out on a uniquely designed urban course. The inner loop spanned 9.3 kilometers, while the outer loop measured 4.4 km. Competitors in the men's elite category rode eight laps totaling 78.8 km, while the women's group completed six laps covering 60.2 km.

The 2025 National Road Cycling Championships are held in Ordos on June 22. [Photo/Nuan News]

The route weaved through key city roads including Wenming East Street, Anda Road, Binhe Avenue, the Third and Fourth Ulanmulun River Bridges, Hubin Road, and Heelun Road. The race began with a sharp blast from the starting pistol, sending riders hurtling forward like arrows in a thrilling contest of speed and strategy.

After intense competition, Wang Ruidong of Team Tianjin clinched the men's title, followed by Jiang Zhihui of Liaoning and Wang Kuicheng of the Henan Badirui Cycling Team. In the women's race, Tang Xin from Team Yunnan took first place, with Guo Li of the Sichuan Pardus Cycling Team and Zhu Yufeng from the Guangdong Dadirui Cycling Team finishing second and third, respectively.

The city's streets came alive with excitement as crowds lined the course, cheering on the country's top cyclists in a spectacular start to this national-level competition.

The winners pose for a photo. [Photo/Nuan News]