The 2nd Tour of Guizhou Eco-province International Road Cycling Race opened on Oct 17 at the Ethnic Unity Square in Guiyang's Guanshanhu district.

The 2nd Tour of Guizhou Eco-province International Road Cycling Race kicks off in Guiyang on Oct 17. [Photo/Guiyang news network]

The opening ceremony featured traditional performances showcasing Guizhou's ethnic culture, followed by the introduction of cycling teams from around the world. Riders from 22 professional teams, alongside recreational cyclists, then set off, marking the start of an 11-day event.

Held from Oct 17 to 27, the race featured nine stages covering all nine cities and autonomous prefectures in Guizhou province for the first time. The 1,205-kilometer route included a cumulative elevation gain of 18,135 meters and attracted professional cyclists from 24 countries and regions.

The opening stage, the Guiyang City and Gui'an New Area Stage, totaling 91 km, started at Ethnic Unity Square and finished in Qingyan Ancient Town, a historic town dating back around 600 years. With a maximum elevation of 1,306 meters and an elevation gain of 687 meters, the route linked Guiyang's specialty coffee industry zone with the ancient town's cultural heritage, offering riders a scenic journey through Guizhou's landscapes.

The event also included a recreational ride that attracted nearly 1,000 cycling enthusiasts from across Guizhou, bringing professional competition and public participation together to promote cycling and grassroots sports.

Cyclists set off from the Ethnic Unity Square in Guiyang's Guanshanhu district. [Photo/Guiyang news network]