Riders line up under the start arch for Stage 1 of the 2026 Tour of Shanghai New City cycling race in Jiading New City on Sept 4. [Photo/jiading.gov.cn]
The 2026 Tour of Shanghai New Cities opened on Sept 4 at Jiading New City, with 122 riders from 21 professional teams and 12 countries and regions competing in the opening stage.
The 95.3-km Jiading stage linked the Shanghai International Circuit, Shanghai Citizens Sports Park, Yuanxiang Lake, Jiading District Library and Shanghai Poly Grand Theatre, testing the riders' tactics and endurance while showcasing the integration of sport and city life.
"The riders sped past with the wind roaring. You have to experience it in person to feel the thrill," said Lin, a professional cycling fan watching the race live for the first time.
"I'm impressed by the course and the atmosphere," said rider Qiao Liyao, who trained specifically for the stage. "The 95-km distance is a demanding test of speed and endurance."
Karl Patrick Lauke of the Lunfeng ROTOR Chengdu Continental Team crossed the line first to win the stage. "Shanghai is a great city, and winning here is a wonderful feeling," said the rider, who had narrowly missed out in previous races. He chose to make his move on the headwind section before the finish, and the plan worked out well.