On April 12, the Heyuan ICBC 2026 Tour of Wanlv Lake International Road Cycling Race kicked off, with nearly 100 riders from 21 countries and regions departing from Qizhai Lake Park to compete over a 128-kilometer course around Wanlv Lake.
As China's first international road cycling event of the 2026 season—and Heyuan's first-ever international cycling race—the event was certified by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) as a Class C race. A total of 11 elite teams took part, including six UCI Continental teams, two provincial professional teams, and three top domestic club teams. After more than three hours of intense racing, Russian rider Andrei Stepanov from the Wheeltop Rotor Chengdu Team claimed victory in 3:06:22.
In line with UCI regulations, four iconic leader's jerseys were awarded. Stepanov secured both the yellow jersey for overall victory and the polka dot jersey as King of the Mountains. Lin Chuanyang finished in 3:12:28 to win the Best Rider of Greater China title and the red jersey, while Italian rider Riccardo Lucca earned the pink jersey for his aggressive performance.
Riders described the course as highly challenging, citing narrow roads, tight turns, continuous climbs, and rolling terrain. Lin Chuanyang noted the demanding pace left little time for him to enjoy the scenery during the race.
The event also featured a participation category, with nearly 1,000 amateur cyclists riding over 40 kilometers along the lakeside. Waste-sorting and recycling points were set up throughout the course, and all race-related waste was cleared before roads reopened, minimizing environmental impact.
Italian rider Riccardo Lucca (R) is awarded the pink jersey by the race jury.
Lin Chuanyang (R) finishes in 3:12:28 to win the Best Rider of Greater China title.
Russian rider Andrei Stepanov (M) crosses the finish line first in 3:06:22 to claim the championship.
Riders check in and register.
Riders check in and register.
Reporter & Photos | Li Jiao
