More than 130 cyclists from 22 professional cycling teams from the five continents gather around Lihu Lake in Wuxi on Oct 31 for the annual Tour of Taihu Lake 2015. [Photo/wxrb.com]

More than 130 cyclists from 22 professional cycling teams from the five continents gathered around Lihu Lake in Wuxi on Oct 31 for the annual Tour of Taihu Lake 2015, reported the Wuxi Daily.

Wuxi Mayor Wang Quan said that Wuxi has hosted many international sports events. The international cycling competition Tour of Taihu Lake has been held in Wuxi every October or November since 2010.

It has evolved into one of China's four most influential road cycling events recognized by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), Wang added.

The competition has nine stages, each a day long, in Wuxi, Nantong, Haimen, Wujin, Jurong, Yixing and Wujiang in Jiangsu province, and Huzhou, Changxing and Haining in Zhejiang province, and an overall length of 1,900 kilometers.

There are three highlights of this year's event.

First, Lagardère Unlimited, a branch of the multinational media conglomerate Lagardère Group, broadcasts the event live.

Second, an amateurs' match was held at six stages as well, so amateurs could experience the tracks and services available to professional cyclists.

Third, public benefit activities were organized prior to the event to stimulate interest in the gala. For example, Zhejiang staged a green cycling tour on Sept 22 to celebrate World Car-Free Day.

The Tour of Taihu Lake is now at the 2.1 level of the UCI, with total prize money increasing from $250,000 to $300,000 this year.

Jacob, an Italian rider, took the crown in the professional group in the Wuxi stage.