Petr Rikunov (centre) on the stage with his trophy and bonus for the winner of the HCM City Television Cycling Tournament 2024. Photos of Cycling News

HCM CITY — Petr Rikunov successfully defended his title in the national HCM City Television Cycling Tournament on April 30.

Martin Laas of 620 Châu Thới Vĩnh Long clinched victory in the final stage from Cao Lãnh District in Đồng Tháp Province to HCM City over 163km.

With a time of 3 hours and 50.47 minutes, Laas crossed the finish line first, securing his eighth stage win in the tournament.

Vietnamese veteran Lê Nguyệt Minh of HCM City New Group and Quàng Văn Cường of Military Zone 7 finished second and third, respectively.

Although Rikunov of Lộc Trời Group didn't make it to the top three in this stage, he was among the cyclists in the leading group at the finish line. This performance was sufficient for him to claim the yellow jersey as the overall winner.

Over the course of the tournament, he covered more than 2,700km, spanning 18 cities and provinces, with a total time of 16 hours and 32.08 minutes.

Martin Laas of 620 Châu Thới Vĩnh Long (centre) wins the last stage of HCM City Television Cycling Tournament on April 30.

The Russian rider also claimed the blue jersey for accumulating the most points across the 25 stages.

"This marks the second consecutive year that I've clinched victory in the HCM City Television Cycling Tournament. However, this year's win holds a special place in my heart, as it was an emotional journey filled with challenges," Rikunov expressed.

"The competition was tougher this time around, with stronger opponents and my own share of misfortune. A fall during stage 4 set me back, requiring a determined effort to narrow the 1.40-minute gap with the leading rider.

"Then, another fall during stage 14 felt like a sudden disaster. Sustaining multiple injuries and enduring excruciating pain, I questioned my ability to continue. Yet, the unwavering support from my teammates and coach Lê Thanh Liêm propelled me forward. I knew I couldn't afford to give up.

"I felt the weight of people's expectations upon me. Despite the pain, I remained focused on my cycling, using it as a means to push past the adversity and pursue victory," he recounted.

Cyclists in action in the last stage from Đồng Tháp to HCM City on April 30.

In other categories, Nguyễn Tấn Hoài of Lộc Trời Group claimed the orange jersey for the best Vietnamese rider.

Phạm Lê Xuân Lộc of Military Zone 7 clinched the white jersey for the best young rider, while the King of the Mountain title, represented by the polka dot jersey, was awarded to Igor Frolov of HCM City New Group.

In the team rankings, HCM City VINAMA secured the top position, followed by Lộc Trời Group and Domesco Đồng Tháp.

During the closing ceremony, organisers disbursed over VNĐ2 billion (US$79,000) to the top-performing athletes. Additionally, they allocated VNĐ770 million to local units to enhance their facilities for the community.

This financial support is part of the tournament's commitment to donate VNĐ2.5 billion to the localities along the race route, starting from Hà Nội since April 3. VNS