On October 20, the 2024 Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area Urban Cycling Challenge took place in Dongguan’s Binhai Bay, attracting nearly 600 cyclists from various cities in the region, including Hong Kong, Macau, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Dongguan, and Foshan. The event featured four categories: Men’s Elite Road, Women’s Road, Men’s Public Road, and a Parent-Child Cycling Group.
As the starter gun fired, the competitors surged from the starting line like arrows released from a bow. The atmosphere was electric as they sped, turned, and pedaled fiercely, each participant pushing themselves to the limit. At the corners, the cyclists showcased exceptional bike-handling skills, leaning in almost parallel to the ground while their tires hugged the edges of the track during each turn.
After a fierce competition, Huang Guanghong from the BROSS-GRC China team clinched the Men’s Elite Road title with a time of 58 minutes and 11 seconds. Wei Xiaoqing won the Women’s Road category, while Dai Mingheng from the Youth Power Development Team took home the Men’s Public Road championship.
“The road conditions were excellent—almost entirely straight,” Huang noted. “This not only tested the cyclists’ speed and endurance but also allowed us to appreciate the beautiful scenery throughout the race.” Huang, a seasoned competitor with 13 years of racing experience, expressed his enjoyment of the competitive atmosphere and his eagerness to excel in future events.
The OSSA Janiton Cycling Team from Hong Kong participated in the event for the first time. Member Wu Yingcong commented on the high level of competition, saying, “It was a wonderful experience to race alongside so many top athletes and to promote cultural exchange among the three regions of Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau. I hope we can come back to Dongguan for more competitions in the future.”
This year, the organizers also introduced a Parent-Child Cycling Group. Participant Wang Zihao, an avid cyclist from Dongguan’s Dongkeng Town, shared his thoughts on the experience. “The focus for the group is more on enjoying the ride. You can leisurely navigate the course, speeding up and slowing down at your own pace to savor the beautiful scenery along the way.”
After a three-year hiatus, Ma Liyun, the women’s champion in BMX racing at the Guangzhou Asian Games, returned to the competition. She remarked on the significant growth in both the scale and quality of the event, noting the increasing number of participants. “This provides a platform for professional athletes and greatly encourages public fitness, allowing more people to experience the charm and joy of cycling.”
