Trans-Vietnam cycling tourney opens in Ca Mau

The event, which lasts until December 16, is part of activities to mark the 70th anniversary of the Vietnam People's Army (December 22, 1944-2014) and the 25th anniversary of the whole people's national defence festival (December 22, 1989-2014).

Roughly 300 riders representing 15 domestic and two foreign teams (Laos and Cambodia) are competing in a 12-stage race covering nearly 1,300 kilometres connecting Ca Mau and the northernmost province of Cao Bang.

Total prize money worth VND500 million (US$23,500) is up for grabs, with the winning team securing VND60 million and the winner of the overall yellow jersey claiming VND50 million.

At the Tuesday opening ceremony, the organising board presented 85 gifts worth VND1 million each to Ca Mau's national contributors and policy beneficiaries and 20 scholarships totaling VND100 million to children of the officials and soldiers serving in the armed forces.

During the race, the organisers will also offer incense to fallen heroes and martyrs at the Ca Mau, Truong Son and Road 9 cemeteries and visit Uncle Ho's house in Nghe An province, the grave of General Vo Nguyen Giap in Quang Binh province and the Tran Hung Dao forest relic site in Cao Bang - the birthplace of the Armed Propaganda Brigade for the Liberation of Vietnam (forerunner of the Vietnam People's Army).

The 15-day event is being co-organised by the People's Army Newspaper, the Vietnam Motor-Bicycle Sports Federation and the military telecom group Viettel.

(Source: Nhandan Online)