Cyclists at the 2018 Return to the Countryside. This year tournament will be on May 19-27. Photo thethao.sggp.org.vn

HÀ NỘI — The 24th Return to the Countryside cycling race will be held on May 19-27.

The organisers announced that 90 cyclists from 13 local teams and two foreign crews from Japan and the Philippines would take part in the event.

The annual tournament has lured young talents such as Nguyễn Quốc Bảo (Domesco Đồng Tháp), white jersey winner of the prestigious HCM City Television Cycling Tournament and Ismael Grospe (Philippines), white jersey holder of Return to Điện Biên event early this month; along with veteran riders such as Nguyễn Minh Việt (HCM City Mega Market), Ngô Văn Phương (Lộc Trời Group) and Trần Nguyễn Duy Nhân (Military Zone 7).

Participants will tour 10 stages on a total of 772km through 10 provinces including Kiên Giang, Cần Thơ, Đồng Tháp and An Giang.

The first stage on May 19 is from Long Xuyên city of An Giang Province to Rạch Giá city of Kiên Giang Province on 70km.

A total prize money of nearly VNĐ500 million (US$21,500) is up for grabs. — VNS