Cycling

Phạm Lê Xuân Lộc salutes people as he finishes first in stage 2 of the To Điện Biên Phủ cycling tournament on May 2. — Photos of organisers

HÒA BÌNH — Phạm Lê Xuân Lộc won four titles, a first ever achievement in the national cycling community, during the second stage of the To Điện Biên Phủ competition on May 2.

As many as 70 athletes of 10 clubs are competing in the 132km route from Hà Nội to Hòa Bình.

Lộc, who rides for Military Zone 7, won the race to the check point at the peak of Phú Cường Pass to keep the polka dot jersey as the 'King of Mountain'.

He went on to maintain a high speed the rest of the race and finished first in a time of 3hr 10.05min.

The 19-year-old cyclist was followed by Nguyễn Hoàng Sang of Đồng Nai and Nguyễn Thắng of HCM City Vinama.

Lộc's outstanding performance also helped him jump to the top of the overall ranking after two stages.

He also dominated the blue jersey table for best sprinter and the white jersey table for best junior rider (under 23 years old).

According to Nguyễn Ngọc Vũ, general secretary of the Việt Nam Cycling and Motor Sports Federation, it was for the first time in history that a rider won four titles in one stage.

In the team's ranking, HCM City Vinama took first position, Domesco Đồng Tháp and Military Zone 7 were second and third, respectively.

A representative of the organising board presents gifts to war veterans and people with difficulties in Hòa Bình Province.

After the awarding ceremony, the organisers also presented gifts to war veterans and poor families and students of Hòa Bình, which is part of the charity programme that will be conducted through the race's five stages.

On May 3, riders will tour from Vân Hồ District to Sơn La City of Sơn La Province for 141km. — VNS