Cyclists battle for Aviation New Town Cup this Sunday
Eighty teams will vie for a record-breaking prize pool of 100,600 yuan ($14,480) in the 7th Aviation New Town Cup Road Cycling Race in Jinwan District on Sunday, Nov 18.
They include high-powered Never Stop, Novatec-UCC, Merida Challenger, and Gusto teams, ranked 1st, 3rd, 7th, and 11th on China's amateur road cycling team scoreboard.
The 350 domestic and foreign cyclists will race in the 60-km (37-mile) Men's Open, 30-km (19-mile) Women's Open, 40-km (25-mile) Men's Youth, and 30-km (19-mile) Men's Middle-Age groups. Leading the lineup are eight of the top 10 on China's amateur male road cycling scoreboard, and five of the top 10 on the female board.
The start-finish line is set at Jinshan Park. Contestants must complete laps on a 10-km (6-mile) rolling circuit along Jinhu Avenue, and Shuanghu, Chuangxin (Innovation), and East Jinhe roads. This year's racing track features multiple bends to increase difficulty.
Race is on
The organizer will offer lucky draws to encourage public participation. More than 100 gifts worth some 20,000 yuan ($2,880), ranging from souvenirs to bicycle derailleur valued at 800 yuan ($115), are among the offerings with a scan of a QR code on site.
In addition to a webcast, a 32-sq-m (38-sq-yd) giant screen will be set up on the scene this year to report on the race with professional commentary.
More than 260 referees, security personnel, and volunteers will serve the event. There will also be fixed medical aid areas and three ambulances, one on standby at the finish line and two following the riders.
Traffic control will be implemented along the route from 8:30 am to 1 pm. Self-driving spectators can park their vehicles in the parking lot of Jinshan Park. Those choosing public transport can take Bus 504 and get off at Xihu Urban Area, or Bus 803 and disembark at Guangdong Polytechnic of Science & Technology Zhuhai Campus.
The pack [File photos]