Beijing Cycling Races

Cycling races of different levels are held in Beijing suburbs like Yanqing, Miyun, Changping and Huairou, where great deals of top attractions are clustered, such as Great Wall, Longqing Gorge and Gubei Water Town. Both professional and amateur competitions attract thousands of riders to participate. Below are four of the most welcomed cycling races in Beijing.

Beijing Bicycle League is held annually, but the dates are not fixed. Both amateurs and professionals can participate. Although the competition routes also are not fixed, in recent years, it usually includes 3 areas: Tongzhou, Yanqing, and Mentougou. It is still possible that the competitions would be held there in the future. The riding route for the amateurs is easy and scenic while the one for professionals are flat slopes requiring more energy. In some years, there are even balance bike races for kids between 2 and 5 years old. Note that the age limit for participants is 18 - 55.

Location: Grand Canal Forest Park

Distance: 50 km (31 mi)

Time: 3 hours

Location: National Alpine Skiing Center

Distance: 6.6 km

Uphill height: 550 meters (1,804 ft)

Time: 3 hours

 

Location: Mount Miaofeng

Distance: 20 km (12.4 mi)

Uphill height: 870 meters (2,854 feet)

Time: 3 hours
 

It is the largest-in-scale cycling activity of the city, which involves about 1,000 participants from all over the world. The event takes place in Yanqing District, which is in northwest of Beijing. The racing date is usually in September or October of each year.

Comparing with formal cycling races, it is less professional, instead a bit relaxing. The competition includes the road race and BMX. Many differently themed cycling routes are designed, and the highlight of the race is that sightseeing is additionally combined with the competition. Participants can not only join the race, but also enjoy the top natural landscape along the way. The Events has competition cycling and entertainment cycling. During the entertainment cycling, competitors also get chances to experience local lifestyle, taste delicacies and fruits picking activity. 

Usually, the cycling routes change each year but the cycling distance of the event is not short, generally over 20 km (12 mi). You can refer to the past matches: in 2011, the male group’s distance is 60 km (37 mi), while female 45 km (28 mi); in 2023, the male group A is 45 km (28 mi), group B 35 km (22 mi), while female group 25 km (16 mi).

The event organizers usually set up competitive groups and non-competitive groups for amateur cycling lovers to enjoy the pleasure of cycling event.

It is held annually in October in Rose Valley of Mount Miaofeng. Participates are divided into Males Group A, Males Group B, Females Group and Amateurs Group. Sometimes, given fairness, Male U16 and Female U16 would also be set up for participants aging 14 – 16. The total race route is 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) long with many slopes and turnings. But the scenery along the way is very attracting. 

The race is featured by many bends and the huge elevation of altitude in the short distance, about 400 meters (1,310 feet). Such difficulty challenges your patience.

It is also a major cycling competition in Beijing. Every year, cycling lovers from Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Shanxi, other provinces, and foreign countries would come to participate in this international event. In recent years, the tournament holders set up a competition area in Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei separately. At the same time, Beijing competition area is usually in Pinggu District.

In addition to the above four, there are also some small-scale bicycle races being held regularly or irregularly in Beijing, such as Beijing Cycling Open Tournament and Baiyanggou Road Cycling Challenge Tournament. Also, some international cycling events would be held in Beijing in some years. For example, both in 2023 and 2024, Tour of Spain Cycling were held in Changping, Beijing.

The participants are not subject to nationalities, and usually people between 18 and 60 years old are all allowed to apply for the competition. If there is competition for teenagers and kids, they are also allowed to attend the specific race. You can sign up by logging in on their official website and following the steps to complete the online registration. Or you can go to the Beijing Cycling Association to apply for attending the race, which is located at No. 12, Taiping Street, Xicheng District.
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