Nestled between mountains and water, the southern route alongside Beijing's Miyun Reservoir winds like a coiled dragon, framed by lush trees and tranquil waters.

This picturesque road, named one of China's 10 most beautiful rural routes by the Ministry of Transport in 2021, became a scene of vibrant energy on Sunday, as it hosted the 2024 Tour of Miyun Reservoir International Cycling Race.

With elite and amateur competitive cyclists navigating its winding curves, the event marked Miyun district's debut on the international road cycling stage, transforming the serene landscape into a high-stakes arena.

The event drew 20 professional teams from 17 countries and regions, including France, Germany, Russia, Indonesia and Mongolia, uniting nearly 120 top cyclists and 800 cycling enthusiasts in Miyun.

In the elite group, Gleb Karpenko from the Ferei Quick-Panda Podium Mongolia Team clinched the championship, with Zhang Huibin of the Shanghai Cycling Team taking second, and Sun Tao from Beijing Juqi Cycling Team placing third.

Karpenko also clinched the title of Sprint King, while his teammate Bilguunjargal Erdenebat was crowned King of the Mountain.

The event also featured an open and a challenge race, drawing 500 and 300 riders respectively, welcoming male and female cycling enthusiasts of various ages and abilities.

To ensure a seamless event, organizers assembled a dedicated support team, featuring 280 volunteers and more than 2,000 staff who managed every aspect of the race — from course setup to logistics — attending to every detail.

The standout feature of the race, though, lies in its course design, which offers participants not only the thrill of competition, but also an immersive experience of Miyun's autumn landscapes, local flavors, and cultural richness.

The 86.8-kilometer route for professional cyclists — beginning at West of Miyun Service Area and winding along the scenic southern stretch of Miyun Reservoir, before finishing at Miyun Fish Street — exemplifies how sports events can drive tourism.

Exhibition areas showcasing local products, including Miyun's renowned honey and millet, were set up around the start and finish lines to highlight the area's agricultural specialties.

"Capitalizing on Miyun's natural beauty, we designed the course to highlight its landscapes, while ensuring both safety and providing a challenge for the riders," said Ou Yujin, deputy director of the Miyun district sports bureau.

"The route traverses the Chaohe River and Miyun Reservoir, allowing participants to take in the area's stunning scenery as they race."

"With this event, we aim to spark a passion for fitness across the community," said Ou. "Looking ahead, we plan to host additional cycling events, such as spring and autumn races around Miyun Lake, as well as activities tailored for different ages and skill levels. Our mountains, reservoir, and fresh air make Miyun an ideal destination for cyclists," he added.

As for the future of the Tour of Miyun Reservoir International Cycling Race, Ou shared plans to gradually expand its scale, elevate its global profile, and establish it as a landmark event for Miyun district.

Ji Rongwang, deputy head of the Miyun district government, highlighted that the race was made possible by a series of ecological protection measures and environmental management projects aimed at fostering sustainability in the area. These initiatives include the ecological restoration of Miyun Reservoir, pollution control efforts for the Chaohe River and an increase in forest coverage.

"These efforts have significantly enhanced Miyun's ecological quality, boosted biodiversity and improved the quality of life for both residents and visitors," he stated.

Ji emphasized that the cycling race not only showcased Miyun's breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, but also facilitated a deep integration of culture, sports, tourism and commerce, resulting in substantial economic benefits for local businesses.

He said that, in developing sports events, Miyun has strategically leveraged its local natural resources and cultural attributes to attract participants and spectators.

"We have successfully hosted the Miyun Eco Marathon and plan to organize more international-level events in the future. Our goal is to establish Miyun as a sports tourism destination, using these events to stimulate the growth of tourism and related industries," he stated.

"Looking ahead, we aim to integrate these events with local festivals, such as the Miyun fish king food festival and the Miyun international wine festival, to enhance their impact and appeal," Ji added.

liyingxue@chinadaily.com.cn