Wang Kuicheng secures double jersey victory at opening stage of China Yellow River cycling tour

HOHHOT, Aug. 16 (Xinhua) -- The opening stage of the 2026 China Yellow River Nine Province Cycling Tour concluded in Otog Banner, Ordos.

Wang Kuicheng of Henan clocked a winning time of 1:38:25 to claim both the overall leader's yellow jersey and the sprint classification green jersey in the men's elite road category. He Shuai of Sichuan claimed both the yellow and green jerseys in the special division for delegations from the nine provincial-level regions along the Yellow River.

"The result is hugely important for me and my whole team. It felt fantastic riding across these vast grasslands," Wang said after the race. He noted gusty winds and numerous uphill stretches on the course placed high demands on riders' bike handling skills.

Competitors set off from Wulanwusu Gacha under clear skies, with temperatures hovering around 20 degrees Celsius. The 68.4-kilometer elite route wound through the Otog grassland and finished in Ulanqir Gacha. A separate 50.4-kilometer recreational ride was also held for non-racing participants.

The multi-stage competition, co-organized by China's national cycling governing body and Xinhua, together with authorities from nine provincial-level regions, is built around the theme of Yellow River culture. Enditem