Cycling

The annual cycling tournament 'Racing to Điện Biên Phủ' will be held on May 1-5. Photos of organisers

HÀ NỘI A cycling tournament to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Điện Biên Phủ Battle victory will be held on May 1- 5 from Hà Nội to Điện Biên Province.

The event, which was held annually before the COVID-19 pandemic, will feature 70 riders of 10 strong teams: Hà Nội, HCM City, Military Zone 7, An Giang, Đồng Tháp, Đồng Nai, Bình Dương, Vĩnh Long, Thanh Hóa, and Hòa Bình.

It is a key activity of the programme marking the anniversary on May 7, 1954-2024.

Riders will compete in five stages for a total distance of 525km. The first stage is 40.8km around Hoàn Kiếm Lake. The second is 132km from the Mỹ Đình Stadium in Hà Nội to Lác Village in Hòa Bình Province.

The third one is 136km from Vân Hồ District to Tây Bắc Square in Sơn La City, Sơn La Province. The fourth stage is from Sơn La to May 7 Square in Điện Biên Phủ City, Điện Biên Province. The last one is 40.8km around Điện Biên Phủ.

The race is held by the Quân Đội Nhân Dân (People's Army) newspaper and the Việt Nam Cycling and Motor Sports Federation.

“This is a professional tournament which gives riders the chance to compete for medals and a meaningful activity to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Điện Biên Phủ victory," said Major General Đoàn Xuân Bộ, editor-in-chief of the army's paper and head of organising board.

"We believe that the tournament will be a highlight of the celebration programme and receive support from people and bicycle lovers nationwide."

The tournament attracts the best cyclists of 10 clubs.

A purse of VNĐ40 million (US$1,600) will be delivered to the overall winner who will take the yellow jersey.

The green jersey athlete who earns highest points and the King of Mountain will bag VNĐ20 million each. The most successful young rider will receive VNĐ10 million.

In addition to VNĐ40 million for the winning team, organisers will present bonuses to the winners of the five stages.

During the race, the organisers will conduct charity activities, presenting houses and gifts to war veterans, young volunteers, and people who participated in the Điện Biên Phủ campaign and now live in Điện Biên.

A school worth VNĐ6.5 billion will be built in the province.

Organisers also hold a contest to publicise national history and photo contest entitled "Moments of the Race". VNS