At the opening race of the 2024 China Road Cycling Professional League—the Anhui Shitai Station—the Pingtan International Tourism Island Intercontinental Cycling Team, equipped with ODIN Performance Wheels, became the center of attention with their unwavering perseverance and stellar performance. This race not only marked the beginning of the new season but also served as the team's debut for the season. Despite the adverse weather conditions, the team showcased remarkable strength and team spirit.
On April 7th, the weather in Shitai, Anhui was less than ideal, with light rain and slippery roads adding significant challenge to the race. Despite this, 20 teams and 151 cyclists from across the country gave their all, aiming to secure an early lead in the new season. The Pingtan International Tourism Island Intercontinental Cycling Team fielded a strong lineup of 8 riders, including 5 Chinese cyclists and 3 international riders, with a clear objective: to start the new season with a strong performance.
The race covered a total distance of 174.5 kilometers. Starting from the Shitai Grand Canyon Drift Scenic Area, the cyclists completed 9 laps of a circuit before turning back at the Xianyu Mountain Scenic Area Visitor Center and returning to the finish line. The course featured 2 climbing points and 3 sprint points. Although largely flat, the continuous rolling terrain and slippery road conditions tested the riders' technical skills and physical endurance management.
Amidst intense competition, Jiang Zhihui from the Pingtan International Tourism Island Intercontinental Cycling Team secured third place at the first intermediate sprint point, unleashing a positive signal for the team. However, the brutal nature of the race became fully apparent in the final stages. About 15 kilometers from the finish line, Jiang was unfortunately caught in a mass crash within the peloton. Despite the challenges, he demonstrated the team’s resilient spirit and ultimately managed to secure a top-ten finish after regrouping for the final sprint.
The Pingtan International Tourism Island Intercontinental Cycling Team, formerly known as the Taiyuan Meiheju Intercontinental Team, has been dedicated to nurturing outstanding Chinese cyclists since its establishment, empowering them to shine on the international stage. Last year, the team achieved an impressive second place in the Asian team standings at the tournament around the island, demonstrating the competitiveness of Chinese teams in international cycling events.
With the new season underway, the Pingtan International Tourism Island Intercontinental Cycling Team will continue its journey alongside ODIN Performance Wheels, not only pursuing greater honors on the track but also playing an active role in promoting cycling culture and a healthy lifestyle. ODIN Wheels looks forward to the team achieving even more brilliant results in future competitions, contributing to the development of cycling in China.
