18 teams to participate in International Biwase Cup

Eighteen teams will participate in the Binh Dương International Women’s Cycling Tournament, called Biwase Cup, to be held from March 8 to 16.

Organisers introduce different jerseys of the Binh Dương International Women’s Cycling Tournament which will begin on March 8. — Photo baomoi.com

Among the 18, eight are foreign teams, and Japan, Thailand, Kazakhstan and South Korea promise to be strong contenders.

The 10 local teams include leading teams such as Hat Ngoc Troi An Giang, Biwase Bình Dương and VUS Ho Chi Minh City.

 

Việt Nam’s best cyclists Nguyen Thi That, Phan Thi Lieu and Truc Mai of An Giang are strong candidates for the title.

 

“It is a prestigious tournament, though it is not affiliated to the International Cycling Union. We organisers are pleased to see the interest and participation of international teams,” said Ngo Quang Vinh, deputy president of Viet Nam Cycling and Sport Motors Federation.

 

Cyclists will compete in nine stages, starting from Binh Dương, riding through neighbouring provinces and cities and finishing at the start point. This seventh edition of the competition will see its longest ever race, of 828km in nine days.

 

The event is themed Blue Sea, and organisers hope it will encourage people to protect the environment and the oceans, and contribute to sustainable development.

 

Apart from prizes for stage winners, the organisers have announced a VNĐ30 million (US$1,300) award for the yellow jersey holder. Cyclists who win the green, white and red jerseys, and the Miss Cycling title as well as the best team will also receive bonuses in cash.

 

(Source: VNS)