Cycling

Nguyễn Hướng of Đồng Nai finishes first in the fourth stage of the To Điện Biên Phủ 2024 cycling tournament on May 4. Photo of organisers

ĐIỆN BIÊN PHỦ — Nguyễn Hướng secured the stage win while Phạm Lê Xuân Lộc took his overall leading position back after the fourth stage of the To Điện Biên Phủ 2024 cycling tournament on May 4.

It was a tough stage for cyclist who had to race 155km from Sơn La Province to Điện Biên Province. On the way, they had to climb 12km Pha Đin Pass and a sloppy 5.5km Tằng Quái Pass under the hot weather, making it the most difficult leg of the tournament.

Hướng of Đồng Nai made strong sprint after cycling downhill from Tằng Quái to cross the finish line first in a time of 4hr 11.53min.

"It is a difficult stage where we have to overcome two long passes. My rivals focused on my senior teammate Nguyễn Hoàng Sang too much. I took the opportunity to ride away from them and won the stage," said Hướng.

"It is a little surprised for me as I did not prepare for a stage win. Tomorrow, teams will try best in the final and meaningful stage when we all want to win to celerbate the 70th anniversary of the Điện Biên Phủ Victory. I hope my team will have the highest result."

He was followed by Nguyễn Tuấn Vũ of HCM City Vinama and Nguyễn Tấn Hoài of Lộc Trời Group.

After four stages, Lộc, who finished eighth on May 4, was back to the top of the ranking with his total time of 11:41.48.

He not only took the yellow jersey but also the polka dot one for the best mountain climber and white jersey for the best junior rider.

In the team's ranking, Domesco Đồng Tháp replaced HCM City Vinama in the top position. Lộc Trời Group were at third.

The final stage will be 21 laps around the city on 42km. VNS