Intl cycling race kicks off in Yunnan

The 2017 Colorful Yunnan International Granfondo Cycling Festival launched in Southwest China's Yunnan province on Nov 5, attracting 1,265 cyclists from 22 countries and regions. 

Using five places in Yunnan as its venues, the week-long race requires cyclists to compete in short distance and long distance races in Kunming, Yuxi, Chuxiong, Dali and Lijiang. 

Originating from Italy, "Granfondo" means "the longest distance" or "the greatest perseverance" in Italian, with a short distance of 44 kilometers and the long lasts 110 kilometers. 

Having been held in Yunnan for four years, the race saw the most contestants this year with more than 700 cyclists taking part in all the five races. 

Yunnan-born Li Jinshun claimed the gold in the men's 44-km race in Kunming, with a time of 1 hour and 0.7 seconds. Qiu Tian and Ma Ruhui got the first prize in the women's 44-km and 110-km race respectively. 

"The racing lane around the Dianchi Lake is amazing and the weather in Yunnan is perfect," said an American cyclist in Kunming. 

Cyclists pass through the Haikou Bridge in Kunming during the race. [Photo/yunnan.cn]

Cyclists pass through the Gudian Gate in Kunming during the race. [Photo/yunnan.cn]

Cyclists compete for the gold medal in Kunming. [Photo/yunnan.cn]