A past edition of the UCI Gran Fondo World Series. [Photo/WeChat account: hzfbwx]

For the first time, the UCI Gran Fondo World Series — one of the world's top amateur cycling events — will be held in China, with Xiaoshan's Xianghu Lake hosting the time trial segment on Sept 6.

This marks Hangzhou's first international A-level cycling race since the Asian Games in 2023.

Co-hosted by Xiaoshan district and Chun'an county under the coordination of the Hangzhou sports bureau, the event will feature a 16-kilometer individual time trial in Xiaoshan and a 136-km road race around Qiandao Lake in Chun'an county. Over 5,000 riders from more than 30 countries and regions are expected to participate.

"With a route winding through the scenic Xianghu Lake, Xiaoshan is once again stepping onto the global stage," said a local official. "From the Asian Games to international competitions, we're fast becoming a hub for world-class sports."

The event's innovative "dual-lake" format will showcase both the cultural heritage of Xianghu Lake and the ecological beauty of Qiandao Lake, creating a poetic and picturesque course in the heart of Hangzhou.

A bird's-eye view of Xianghu Lake in Xiaoshan district. [Photo/WeChat account: xianghufabu]

Cyclists compete along the 136-kilometer on Qiandao Lake in Chun'an county. [Photo/WeChat account: qiandaohutour]