Internationalization of China's Cycling Events in 2025 Map
(As of May 20, 2025)

I. International Race Dynamics

Yellow River Mouth (Dongying) Race in the International Core Circle

In June 2025, the Yellow River Mouth International Road Cycling Race was upgraded to the “UCI Men's Elite 2.2 Pro Series” for the first time, becoming the first road cycling event in Shandong Province to be ranked as a “Class B International Race in China”. This year's event attracted 20 international teams from Australia, the United Kingdom and other professional stages covering Longju Town and Lijin County in Dongying District, combined with the ecological landscape of the Yellow River estuary, to create a blend of competition and culture and tourism of the international stage.

Tour of Hainan Island Race anchors the “world-class track”.The 2025 Tour of Hainan Island International Road Cycling Race will be adjusted to April for the first time, with five stages totaling 853.59 kilometers, the track connecting Qionghai, Wuzhishan and other mountain and sea landscapes, and incorporating the UCI professional track standard, which is evaluated by international riders as a “benchmark route combining both competitive difficulty and ecological aesthetics”. The race is supported by equipment exhibition and amateur challenge, realizing the depth of professional competition and universal participation.

Pump Track League opens international pre-selection channel

Yantai 2025 China Pump Track Cycling League is the only qualifier for the China Youth Pump Track World Championships based on Velosolutions certified venues in accordance with international standards, and the winners can go straight to the finals in Copenhagen, Denmark. The tournament innovatively introduces the mode of “cycling + non-heritage”, synchronizing the activation of Yantai's cultural tourism consumer market.

Integration of international standard and localization

Pingtan Ocean Cup” is upgraded to international category C race.

In 2025, Pingtan International Cycling Open will be upgraded to an international Class C event in China, attracting 5 UCI intercontinental teams and more than 2,000 participants. The 87-kilometer island circuit and the climbing section of the ecological corridor will be added, realizing the fusion of mountain and coastline competitions for the first time.

The Chinese element of the Tour de France is highlighted

The 2024 Tour de France will start from Florence, Italy for the first time, and China's Sidecar Intercontinental Team will be the only Asian professional team to participate. French President Emmanuel Macron has publicly called for the strengthening of Sino-French cooperation in cycling and the promotion of Chinese teams to participate in top international races.

Internationalization Path of Chinese Races

Race operation specialization: The Yellow River Crossing and the Tour Island Race are operated by experienced international teams, such as Wansheng Sports, and are in line with the technical standards of the UCI;

City brand linkage: Dongying promotes the Yellow River culture with the event, and Pingtan strengthens the positioning of the international tourism island by relying on the “Ocean Cup”;

Youth training system: The Pump Track League provides a fast track to international events for Chinese youth athletes through a cross-level challenge mechanism.

Prospect: In 2025, China's cycling events are transforming from “bringing in” to “going out”, building a competitive bridge through international certified events, and enhancing global influence through cultural and tourism integration. In the next three years, more Chinese cities are expected to join the UCI WorldTour.