The Qidong stage of the 2025 Tour of Taihu Lake kicked off at 10 am on Oct 11. [Photo/WeChat account: qidongfabu] 

The Qidong stage of the 2025 Tour of Taihu Lake kicked off at 10 am on Oct 11, as 132 professional cyclists from 22 world-class teams launched into a high-speed race. 

As one of China's three most prestigious road cycling tours, the Tour of Taihu Lake serves as a vital link connecting cities around the lake. From Oct 9 to 12, the event takes place in Nanjing, Suzhou, Nantong, and Wuxi four stages. 

As the third stage of the race, the Qidong stage spans 79.16 km, with over 60 percent of the route running along the Yellow Sea and the Yangtze River Estuary. The course winds past iconic Qidong landmarks, including the Fisherman's Wharf and Qitang Ancient Town. 

After more than an hour of competition, Lars Martin from Quick Pro Team and Rasch Jesper from ParkHotel Valkenburg claimed the top two spots. 

In recent years, Qidong has consistently hosted high-profile sporting events such as the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour, International Triathlon, and CBA Summer League, continually deepening the integration of sports, culture, and tourism.