Hundreds of riders to compete in trans-Vietnam cycling tourney

As many as 300 riders representing 15 domestic and two foreign teams (Laos and Cambodia) will participate in a trans-Vietnam cycling tournament from December 2nd-16th.

The event is part of activities to mark the 70th anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Army (December 22nd, 1944-2014) and the 25th anniversary of the Whole People’s National Defence Festival Day (December 22nd, 1989-2014).

The bicycle race, co-organised by the People’s Army Newspaper, the Vietnam Motor-Bicycle Sports Federation and the military-run telecom group Viettel, features 12 stages covering nearly 1,300 kilometres from the southernmost province of Ca Mau to northern Cao Bang province.

Total prize money worth VND500 million (USD23,500) is up for grabs, with the winning team securing VND60 million and the winner of the overall yellow jersey claiming VND50 million.

During the race, the organising board will offer incense to fallen heroes and martyrs at Ca Mau, Truong Son and Road 9 cemeteries and visit Uncle Ho’s house in Nghe An province, the grave of General Vo Nguyen Giap in Quang Binh province and the Tran Hung Dao forest relic site in Cao Bang – the birthplace of the Armed Propaganda Brigade for the Liberation of Vietnam (forerunner of the Vietnam People’s Army).

The organisers will also spend over VND2 billion (USD94,000) buying presents for national contributors and policy beneficiaries and granting scholarships to children of the officials and soldiers serving in the armed forces.

(Source: CPV)