Cycling

Urara Kawaguchi of Japanese Gerbera (right) ahead of Nguyễn Thị Thu Mai of Lộc Trời Group (centre) at the finish line of the ninth stage of the Bình Dương International Women's Cycling Tournament on March 14. Photo of Cycling News

VŨNG TÀU — Japan's Urara Kawaguchi was a bike's lengths faster than Việt Nam's Nguyễn Thị Thu Mai to win the ninth stage of the Bình Dương International Women's Cycling Tournament on March 14.

The Gerbera team rider led for the duration of the 115km stage from La Gi Town of Bình Thuận Province to Vũng Tàu City of Bà Rịa Vũng Tàu Province.

Kawaguchi was closely followed by a large pack of cyclists including Việt Nam's rising star Thu Mai of Lộc Trời Group. 

But it was Kawaguchi's day and despite many threats, won in a time of 2hr 42.35min.

Mai was second, followed by Yeong zhen Yi of Malaysia.

After nine stages, Natalia Frolova of Biwase Bình Dương is top of the ranking table. Her total time of 26hr 20.37min made her safe from all threats. She just needs to complete the last stage to claim overall victory.

In the team rankings, Kazakhstan took the lead. Gerbera of Japan were second and Malaysia third.

The last stage will be from Vũng Tàu City to Thủ Dầu Một City covering 120km. VNS