Cycling 

Trần Tuấn Kiệt of Domesco Đồng Tháp (right) wins the first stage of the To Điện Biên Phủ 2024 cycling tournament. Photo of organiser

HÀ NỘI -- Trần Tuấn Kiệt won the first stage of the To Điện Biên Phủ 2024, People's Army Newspaper Cup, on May 1 in Hà Nội.

After the opening ceremony, 70 cyclists took part in the first stage, which was 24 laps around Hoàn Kiếm Lake equivalent to 40.8km.

The cool weather was a favourable condition for athletes to perform at their best.

Strong riders from HCM City, Domesco Đồng Tháp, An Giang and Military Zone 7 opened consecutive attacks, creating an aggressive race.

Nguyễn Văn Bình of HCM City took the first sprint as he was the first one who finished ten laps, bagging five points. The second sprint went to Phạm Hồng Thái of Đồng Tháp.

The highlight of the race was the last lap. All participants sped up trying to take the lead. But it was Kiệt of Đồng Tháp who successfully crossed the finish line first in a time of 52.24min.

He was followed by Võ Minh Gia Bảo of Military Zone 7 who temporally took the white jersey for the best young rider, and Trịnh Đức Tâm of Lộc Trời Group.

Domesco Đồng Tháp, Military Zone 7 and Lộc Trời Group were top three in the team rankings.

The second stage will be from Hà Nội to Mai Châu District in Hòa Bình Province over 132km.

The fifth To Điện Biên Phủ tournament is from May 1-5. Riders will tour 500km from Hà Nội to Điện Biên Province. It is one of activities to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Điện Biên Phủ Victory on May 7, 1954. VNS