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May 6, 2016

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Island a ‘paradise’ for outdoor sports enthusiasts

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PAST Tour of Chongming winners under the former World-Cup classification system include Italy’s Giorgia Bronzini, Kirsten Wild of the Netherlands and Shelley Olds of the US.

This year’s race is the seventh in a series of 17 road-race events under the newly launched Women’s World Tour classification system. It is the only event of its kind to be hosted in Asia this year, as well as one of only three taking place outside of Europe. British rider and current Women’s World Road Race champion Lizzie Armistead (Boels-Dolmans) currently leads in the World-Tour standing after claiming this honor from teammate Chantal Blaak in late March.

As with other stage races, this year’s Tour of Chongming will include jerseys in a number classifications; including for the rider with the best overall time, as well as the best young rider.

Altogether, the race covers 351 kilometers over three stages. The race starts and finishes at Xincheng Park on Chongming Avenue.

The first stage is 139.8km and takes riders over the Shanghai Yangtze River Bridge and through Changxing Island. For sprinters, there will points up for grabs at markers posted 21.7km and 92.9km from the start line

The second stage, known as the Chongxi stage, covers 112.8km and will take riders along the island’s coast line. As an alluvial island formed by silt carried along the Yangtze River, Chongming Island is known for its beautiful river banks.

The third stage will take riders around a 11km circuit for a total of 99km. Sprinters’ points will be available at 33km and 77km from the starting line.

As in previous editions, this year’s Tour of Chongming is expected to favor sprinters and fast-finishers thanks to the course’s relatively flat terrain. Ocean winds in the first and second stages though could lead to splits in the peloton, potentially thwarting teams hoping for glory in a bunch finish.

Chongming Island has a long history of hosting cycling races, including national races as early as 2003. It joined the women’s World Cup series in 2009, making it one of the most important events of the year for elite female cyclists.

The race is hosted by governing body International Cycling Union, the General Administration of Sports of China and the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government.

Ecological lanes

With an abundance of scenic cycling routes, refreshing breezes and well-surfaced roads, Shanghai’s Chongming Island is a great place for both elite racers and recreational riders. Local officials have also been busy with plans to attract lovers of other outdoor activities.

“Chongming Island aims to build an ecological outdoor sports paradise,” said Tang Hailong, the head of Chongming County. “We have finished building 350km of scenic cycling lanes along our island circuit, Chenjia Town, Mingzhu Lake and Hengsha Island. There are also 15km of jogging lanes, creating an ideal and safe place for cyclists and joggers. And this year, we plan to open 40km of ‘ecological’ lanes.”

These 2-meter-wide lanes will take riders, runners and strollers past some of the island’s best scenic spots — including the Xisha Wetlands, Dongping Forest Park, Chenjia Town — with rest stations and other amenities planned for every four to eight kilometers.

Chongming has also become a magnet for footballers, swimmers, kayakers and many other amateur and professional athletes. Local authorities are at work on a host of new sporting amenities, including new indoor and outdoor fields at Chang-xing Island Park.

Meanwhile, areas near the Dongping Forest Park and the Genbao Football Base will be developed into professional football facilities with over 10 pitches.

Work is also underway to turn Mingzhu Lake into a haven for watersports like kayaking, dragon-boat racing and paddling.

Also under construction is the Chongming Sports Center in Chengqiao. The center is designed to accommodate 10,000 spectators and is meant to give Chongming residents the chance to enjoy professional basketball and football matches without leaving the island.

Sports centers are also planned for Baozhen, Chenjia, Miao and Chang-xing towns. These centers will include swimming pools and facilities for ping-pong, badminton, indoor rock climbing and squash. Outdoor tennis fields, jogging lanes and basketball courses will also be available.

Chongming is also home to a sports carnival, covering an area of 7,000 square meters. The carnival, running through Sunday, features an array of entertainment and performances, exhibitions, food and cultural experiences.

Biking and bike-related activities are central to the carnival. Visitors can enjoy bicycle stunts, contests and interactive events.

Of course, no carnival could be complete without fine cuisine. At the food area, visitors can enjoy authentic local snacks made with the freshest local ingredients.

There are also plenty of delicacies on offer at the many small family restaurants that dot the island. On well-known dish worth trying is white beans with sweet sorghum.

Routes:

1. Chongdong Stage

Date: May 6, 12-3:35pm

Length: 139.8km

2. Chongxi Stage

Date: May 7, 12:30-3:25pm

Length: 112.8km

3. Island Circuit

Date: May 8, 1-3:30pm

Length: 11*9 laps = 99km




 

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