Cyclists compete on the course in Qidong, Nantong. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

On Oct 10, the 12th edition of the Tour of Taihu Lake began in Qidong, Nantong, bringing together 22 elite cycling teams from over 30 countries and regions. A total of 132 top cyclists will compete alongside more than 500 amateur riders from the Yangtze River Delta, setting the stage for an exhilarating race of speed and dreams.

Now part of the UCI ProSeries, the race spans five cities across Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces—Wuxi, Qidong (Nantong), Wujiang (Suzhou), Changxing (Huzhou), and Jiangning (Nanjing)—from Oct 9 to 13, covering a total distance of 78.6 kilometers.

After a decade, the race returns to Qidong, where the world-class teams are poised to cycle through iconic landmarks, enjoying both coastal scenery and riverside beauty.

Simultaneously, the 14th annual Qidong Cycling Invitational has also begun, with 500 amateur cyclists from the Yangtze River Delta competing on the same course as the professionals. According to Ji Changchun, president of the Qidong Cycling Association, this gives amateur racers the unique opportunity to experience the thrill of riding alongside the world's best.