International trans-nation cycling tournament kicks off

The largest annual international tournament is co-organised by the VTV, the Vietnam Sports Bicycle and Motorbike Federation, and Hoa Sen Group to welcome National Day (September 2).

As many as 84 cyclists from seven domestic teams and five foreign teams competed at the tournament, which consisted of 14 stages covering over 1,600 km along the length of the country.

After the opening ceremony, racers entered the first lap around Hoan Kiem Lake with 30 rounds, equivalent to 51 km. This year, the tournament starts in Hanoi on National Day and finishes in Ho Chi Minh City on September 17.

Le Nguyet Minh from Vietnam USA Society English - Ho Chi Minh City team won the first stage and temporarily owns the yellow jersey. The second place belongs to Minh's teammate and also his brother Le Van Duan, followed by Desriac Loic from Bike Life Dong Nai. The owner of the white jersey for best young cyclist is Tran Nguyen Duy Nhan from Military Zone 7.

On September 3, the only trans-Vietnam tournament this year will continue with its second route from Hanoi to Thanh Hoa with a length of 149 km.

The total value of the prize is up to VND1.2 billion - the largest in Vietnam's cycling race ever, in which the winner will walk away with VND120 million.

(Source: NDO)