author：qinghaihu publish time：2025-07-06
Xining, July 6 — The 24th “ICBC” Tour of Magnificent Qinghai International Road Cycling Race 2025 roared into action today, with 151 riders from 22 teams battling for glory in the scenic highlands of Qinghai. The opening stage, a circuit race around Xining, culminated in a thrilling sprint finish, where PEÑALVER ANIORTE Manuel of Team Polti VisitMalta claimed victory. He was followed closely by GROSU Eduard-Michael of Huansheng-Vonoa Taishan Sport Team in second place, and SALBY Alexander of Li Ning Star who secured third.
Sprint Showdown in Xining
The first stage, a 121 km circuit race around Xining, featured nine laps of a 13.4 km route starting from the Haihu Sports Center on Wusi West Road. With three intermediate sprints and two Category 4 climbs, the stage offered a dynamic mix of flat sprinting and tactical climbing.
In the final dash to the line, PEÑALVER ANIORTE Manuel surged ahead in the last 300 meters to claim his first individual win of the season. “I’m thrilled to win the opening stage,” he said. “The team worked perfectly together. I launched my sprint with 300 meters to go, and it was incredibly fast. I’m happy I held on to take the win.”
Jersey Winners：
With his stage victory, PEÑALVER ANIORTE Manuel donned both the Yellow Jersey (general classification leader) and the Green Jersey (points leader), representing Team Polti VisitMalta.
The Polka-dot Jersey for best climber was awarded to IVANOV Timofei of Chengdu DYC Cycling Team for his consistent climbing efforts.
The Blue Jersey, awarded to the best Asian rider, went to SEYFOLLAHIFARD Hasan of Tianyoude Hotel Cycling Team, who was active throughout the stage in breakaways and intermediate sprints.
Breakaways and Tactical Battles
Early in the race, BOGDANOVITS Maris (Phoenix-SCOM-Hengxiang) and KOMAC Nejc (FACTOR Racing Team) launched the initial breakaway, briefly distancing themselves from the peloton. As the race progressed, a new six-man breakaway group was formed, which consisted of KOMAC Nejc, IVANOV Timofei (Chengdu DYC Cycling Team), SEYFOLLAHIFARD Hasan (Tianyoude Hotel Cycling Team), PRONSKIY Vadim (Terengganu Cycling Team), CALLEJAS SANTOS Edison Alejandro (PETROLIKE Team), and TEKIRDAG Arda (Istanbul Büyükșehir Belediye Sport Turkiye).
The six riders built a lead of over 1 minute and 50 seconds. SEYFOLLAHIFARD Hasan claimed maximum points on the first Category 4 climb, while IVANOV Timofei won the first intermediate sprint, followed by SEYFOLLAHIFARD Hasan and KOMAC Nejc.
As the peloton increased its pace in the final 80 km, the breakaway’s advantage began to shrink. By the final 30 km, only three riders remained in the lead: PRONSKIY Vadim, KOMAC Nejc and IVANOV Timofei. Eventually, KOMAC Nejc was the last to be caught with 16.5 km to go.
Final Sprint Drama
In the closing kilometers, MAROLT Jaka (FACTOR Racing) launched a solo attack, gaining a brief 15-second lead before being reeled in with 6.4 km remaining. Teams including Team Polti VisitMalta, Li Ning Star, and Unibet Tietema Rockets surged to the front to position their sprinters.
Despite Li Ning Star leading into the final kilometer, PEÑALVER ANIORTE Manuel timed his sprint perfectly to take the win.
Local Hero’s Emotional Day
Local team Tianyoude Hotel Cycling Team had a strong showing, with SEYFOLLAHIFARD Hasan actively contesting climbs and sprints to secure the Blue Jersey. Another local favorite, Li Zisen, shared a heartfelt moment: “My son was born exactly 100 days ago during the countdown to the race. Today marks his 100th day, and my family came to cheer me on. I’m deeply moved and will give my all to honor their support.”
Looking Ahead: Stage 2 Challenge
Tomorrow’s Stage 2 from Duoba to Huzhu, sponsored by Jin Hui Liquor, will be the first major climbing test of the race. Riders will face a grueling ascent over the 3,371-meter Beishan Pass, with a total elevation gain of 2,057 meters. The final Category 1 climb at Shubei Pass, just 30 km from the finish, is expected to shake up the general classification and could see the Yellow Jersey change hands.
Let’s look forward to another thrilling day in the highlands of Qinghai.
